Indian music composer C. Girinandh, founder of the popular music band OXYGEN recently composed music for a Netflix show titled The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan. One of the most awaited releases this month, the show takes a deep dive into the 90s era when matches between India and Pakistan would stroke the nationalistic frenzy between the nations.
Not to say that is not the case anymore but with so many cricketing competitions now including the IPL (Indian Premiere League) and others, the aura of an India-Pakistan match is somewhat debatable. We do love a good match between the two neighbouring (politically warring) nations though.&nbsp;
Hence, making music which would elevate the storytelling, and complement the athletic spirit of the show that highlights cricket, a sport that is celebrated like a festival in both countries &ndash; was going to be both challenging and a mighty task. We spoke to C. Girinandh who told us about his vision and approach to composing music, and his two cents on the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan which he tried to capture in his music.&nbsp;
Here are the excerpts of the chat:
Q: Congratulations on composing music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan. What was your approach to composing music for this series?
A: Thank you. My approach was to maintain a neutral tone while evoking emotions and recreating the iconic moments from historic India-Pakistan matches. I had the opportunity to explore and incorporate multiple genres into this docu-series.
Q: How did you draw inspiration from the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan to create music for the series?
A: As a fan of India-Pakistan matches, I've followed most of the games, and those epic moments were enough to create a musical landscape for this series. The directors, Chandradev Bhagat and Payal, were also clear about their vision, which helped guide my composition.
Watch the trailer here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m71o6k5w-ttmdesa9-afe3s07u">
The biggest rivalry told by the legends who lived it 🏏✨ Dive into a tale of passion, glory, and cricket&rsquo;s fiercest rivalry in The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan, from 7 February, only on Netflix.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheGreatestRivalryIndiaVsPakistanOnNetflix?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheGreatestRivalryIndiaVsPakistanOnNetflix</a>&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/31K1CC6YHK">pic.twitter.com/31K1CC6YHK</a>
&mdash; Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NetflixIndia/status/1884474073469837672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
Q: You've also composed a song for the series. Can you tell us more about the song and how it fits into the narrative?
A: The song is a collaboration with rapper Devoid and MKB. It's a sonic expression of the bond, relationships, sportsmanship, aggression, attitude, and players' mentality and strategy on the field.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-smith-comments-on-diljit-dosanjhs-post-fans-speculate-about-a-possible-collaboration-between-the-two-8711906" aria-label="Will Smith comments on Diljit Dosanjh's post, fans speculate about a possible collaboration between the two">Will Smith comments on Diljit Dosanjh's post, fans speculate about a possible collaboration between the two</a>
Q: How did you infuse your band&rsquo;s genre into the music you created for The Greatest Rivalry?
A: We incorporated various world music elements into the series, using a hybrid approach that merges electronic and live instruments. We also drew from popular instruments common to both India and Pakistan, such as the rabab, oud, dhol, and percussions.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/d2b0f06b-fae.jpg" alt="Music composer C. Girinandh" style="width: 580px;">
Q: What was the most challenging part of composing music for this series?
A: The most challenging aspect was conveying contrasting emotions seamlessly, one after the other, while maintaining a neutral approach and striking a balance.
Q: How did the experience differ from your work with OXYGEN?
A: Composing for OXYGEN is a cumulative, organic approach where we jam and combine perspectives from band members. In contrast, composing for a series requires a clear approach and vision, with a given situation and time frame. This experience taught me to adapt to a more structured format while maintaining my creative voice.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-drake-respond-to-kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-halftime-performance-with-altered-lyrics-8711792" aria-label="Did Drake respond to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance with altered lyrics?">Did Drake respond to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance with altered lyrics?</a>
Q: What&rsquo;s next?
A: I'm excited about my upcoming projects, including "METAGEN," an immersive format album featuring a 20-piece string ensemble. I'm also collaborating with renowned artists like Hariharan Ji, Vikram, Vijay Prakash, and several promising indie artists.
The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan is currently streaming on Netflix. It was released on February 7. The documentary series will give fans inside stories from some of the epic matches between India and Pakistan throughout their cricketing history, narrated by legends from both countries. The series also features actual match footage.

Entertainment Indian music composer C. Girinandh explains his vision board while composing music for the hotly anticipated Netflix show The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan. 

Indian music composer C. Girinandh, founder of the popular music band OXYGEN recently composed music for a Netflix show titled The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan. One of the most awaited releases this month, the show takes a deep dive into the 90s era when matches between India and Pakistan would stroke the nationalistic frenzy between the nations. Not to say that is not the case anymore but with so many cricketing competitions now including the IPL (Indian Premiere League) and others, the aura of an India-Pakistan match is somewhat debatable. We do love a good match between the two neighbouring (politically warring) nations though. Hence, making music which would elevate the storytelling, and complement the athletic spirit of the show that highlights cricket, a sport that is celebrated like a festival in both countries – was going to be both challenging and a mighty task. We spoke to C. Girinandh who told us about his vision and approach to composing music, and his two cents on the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan which he tried to capture in his music. Here are the excerpts of the chat: Q: Congratulations on composing music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan. What was your approach to composing music for this series? A: Thank you. My approach was to maintain a neutral tone while evoking emotions and recreating the iconic moments from historic India-Pakistan matches. I had the opportunity to explore and incorporate multiple genres into this docu-series. Q: How did you draw inspiration from the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan to create music for the series? A: As a fan of India-Pakistan matches, I've followed most of the games, and those epic moments were enough to create a musical landscape for this series. The directors, Chandradev Bhagat and Payal, were also clear about their vision, which helped guide my composition. Watch the trailer here: The biggest rivalry told by the legends who lived it 🏏✨ Dive into a tale of passion, glory, and cricket’s fiercest rivalry in The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan, from 7 February, only on Netflix.#TheGreatestRivalryIndiaVsPakistanOnNetflix… pic.twitter.com/31K1CC6YHK — Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) January 29, 2025 Q: You've also composed a song for the series. Can you tell us more about the song and how it fits into the narrative? A: The song is a collaboration with rapper Devoid and MKB. It's a sonic expression of the bond, relationships, sportsmanship, aggression, attitude, and players' mentality and strategy on the field. Will Smith comments on Diljit Dosanjh's post, fans speculate about a possible collaboration between the two Q: How did you infuse your band’s genre into the music you created for The Greatest Rivalry? A: We incorporated various world music elements into the series, using a hybrid approach that merges electronic and live instruments. We also drew from popular instruments common to both India and Pakistan, such as the rabab, oud, dhol, and percussions. Q: What was the most challenging part of composing music for this series? A: The most challenging aspect was conveying contrasting emotions seamlessly, one after the other, while maintaining a neutral approach and striking a balance. Q: How did the experience differ from your work with OXYGEN? A: Composing for OXYGEN is a cumulative, organic approach where we jam and combine perspectives from band members. In contrast, composing for a series requires a clear approach and vision, with a given situation and time frame. This experience taught me to adapt to a more structured format while maintaining my creative voice. Did Drake respond to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance with altered lyrics? Q: What’s next? A: I'm excited about my upcoming projects, including "METAGEN," an immersive format album featuring a 20-piece string ensemble. I'm also collaborating with renowned artists like Hariharan Ji, Vikram, Vijay Prakash, and several promising indie artists. The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan is currently streaming on Netflix. It was released on February 7. The documentary series will give fans inside stories from some of the epic matches between India and Pakistan throughout their cricketing history, narrated by legends from both countries. The series also features actual match footage.

Interview: Music composer on weaving nostalgia with music for Netflix's The Greatest Rivalry - India Vs Pakistan

After a year of critically-acclaimed work in 2024 with Mirzapur S3 and Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein S2, Shweta Tripathi is ready to take 2025 hands on. &ldquo;My socks are already pulled up,&rdquo; says Shweta when asked what to expect from the new year.&nbsp;
&ldquo;In 2024, I got the feeling of Bahubali because when you do any work, it has an impact and due to that impact, an energy shifts and in 2024, there is so much I have learned because of the two amazing releases. You know when some projects become cult. It feels weird to say it myself but it&rsquo;s a reality. This realisation makes me very happy that my instinct lets me choose the correct kind of projects,&rdquo; recalls Shweta of how it felt when both OTT shows hit it out of the park in terms of fandom.&nbsp;
She further adds, &ldquo;My instinct also gets me to work with like-minded people who are extremely intelligent but also very kind. Not but, and also very kind.&rdquo;
In a candid chat on films, shows and relationships she has built during her time in the showbiz, Shweta spoke about her equation with Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, the Mirzapur film, favourite character from Mirzapur universe, and much more.&nbsp;
<h2>Here are the edited excerpts from the chat:&nbsp;</h2>
Q: What can we expect from 2025?&nbsp;
A: I am really excited for 2025. I recently saw Girls Will Be Girls which is a film by Ali and Richa. Their first film that they have produced. It feels very good because my journey with Richa is from Masaan, and with Ali, we have Mirzapur together. So when people you look up to, admire and respect, raise the bar, it&rsquo;s a lot of fun. I am going to utilise that energy and motivation and start 2025 with exactly that.&nbsp;
Q: Your Mirzapur role is one that people will remember for years. The show itself enjoys fandom from all sections and age groups of viewers. Do you think it has been instrumental in cementing your position as a serious actor?
A: I think I got a lot of validation from Masaan. One thing that Mirzapur has given me is to literally put me up on the hoardings. It has made me a household name. So wherever I go, it becomes difficult because everyone wants a picture with Golu. Everyone wants to talk to Gajgamani. So this is a good change but that is what it is.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/f16ab920-b26.jpg" alt="Shweta" style="width: 580px;">
Q: Mirzapur film will also go on floors next year. What can you tell us about that?&nbsp;
A: I am very excited to see the feature film. From my understanding, I have seen in the teaser trailer that Munna and Kabounder, both of them are there. So I am guessing that this is something from season 1. It will be a chapter from season 1 and season 4 will be a continuation of the story and the character's journey from season 3 to 4. But yes, the film will be very spicy, commercial and explosive. I can't wait to be a part of it. But more importantly, I can't wait to see it as an audience.&nbsp;
Watch the film announcement teaser for Mirzapur here:
<iframe width="1280" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yYsHSYjb690" title="Mirzapur The Film | Announcement | Pankaj Tripathi | Ali Fazal | Divyenndu | Abhishek Banerjee" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/khushi-kapoor-admits-getting-cosmetic-surgeries-says-no-big-deal-8663151" aria-label="Khushi Kapoor admits getting cosmetic surgeries, says 'No big deal'">Khushi Kapoor admits getting cosmetic surgeries, says 'No big deal'</a>
Q: What can you tell us about Mirzapur season 4 and when is it coming?&nbsp;
A: I also want to know about season 4. I keep asking writers and directors what's happening and how. I am curious to know what will happen to Golu. Not just Golu, in fact, even Shikha. Where are these characters? I am just very curious because I genuinely care about these people. I am very protective about the characters I play. Maybe not possessive, but protective to whom I am. I cannot wait to be them again.&nbsp;
Q: Who is your favourite character in Mirzapur Universe and why?
A: I am obviously biased towards Guddu because I love Guddu and I love Ali. And now that they have baby Zunera so now there is more reason. Richa and Ali love each other individually. Their baby is so cute. She is so adorable. I feel connected with her. I can't wait to meet her again.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/909f5551-066.jpg" alt="Guddu" style="width: 580px;">
Q: Also, Kaali Kaali Aankhein started off on a slow note and has now become a hit show that enjoys popularity. What is next season coming?&nbsp;
A: That is being written. Mirzapur is also being written. So I am also waiting for that email in which it will be written Episode 1 next season. I am waiting for that day.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/a04fc1ee-7ff.jpg" alt="Shweta" style="width: 580px;">
Q: What&rsquo;s new in life?
A: I have left sugar. I am inspired by Gurmeet Chaudhary. I don't have a date in mind but I know whenever I eat, it has to be an event which will be special.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-actor-pankaj-tripathi-visits-maha-kumbh-mela-with-family-shares-experience-of-taking-holy-dip-8703659" aria-label="Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi visits Maha Kumbh Mela with family, shares experience of taking holy dip">Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi visits Maha Kumbh Mela with family, shares experience of taking holy dip</a>
Q: What are some things that you are working on in 2025?&nbsp;
A: I have been wanting to produce since a while now, and I have stories from excellent writers and with directors attached. Ali and Richa have inspired me so much to tell good stories. I cannot wait to collaborate with like-minded people and tell the stories that raise the bar of storytelling, that raise the bar of emotions. And climate change. I want to urge people and myself to do a little more because the power is with us.
We should learn to coexist better. So I am going to urge people who like me, who hear me, who see me, to pay a little more attention to that so that we can bring about this change together.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Entertainment Bollywood Shweta Tripathi in an exclusive interview spoke about her equation with Ali Fazal- Richa Chadha, and when we can expect Mirzapur S4, Mirzapur film release.

After a year of critically-acclaimed work in 2024 with Mirzapur S3 and Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein S2, Shweta Tripathi is ready to take 2025 hands on. “My socks are already pulled up,” says Shweta when asked what to expect from the new year. “In 2024, I got the feeling of Bahubali because when you do any work, it has an impact and due to that impact, an energy shifts and in 2024, there is so much I have learned because of the two amazing releases. You know when some projects become cult. It feels weird to say it myself but it’s a reality. This realisation makes me very happy that my instinct lets me choose the correct kind of projects,” recalls Shweta of how it felt when both OTT shows hit it out of the park in terms of fandom. She further adds, “My instinct also gets me to work with like-minded people who are extremely intelligent but also very kind. Not but, and also very kind.” In a candid chat on films, shows and relationships she has built during her time in the showbiz, Shweta spoke about her equation with Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, the Mirzapur film, favourite character from Mirzapur universe, and much more. Here are the edited excerpts from the chat: Q: What can we expect from 2025? A: I am really excited for 2025. I recently saw Girls Will Be Girls which is a film by Ali and Richa. Their first film that they have produced. It feels very good because my journey with Richa is from Masaan, and with Ali, we have Mirzapur together. So when people you look up to, admire and respect, raise the bar, it’s a lot of fun. I am going to utilise that energy and motivation and start 2025 with exactly that. Q: Your Mirzapur role is one that people will remember for years. The show itself enjoys fandom from all sections and age groups of viewers. Do you think it has been instrumental in cementing your position as a serious actor? A: I think I got a lot of validation from Masaan. One thing that Mirzapur has given me is to literally put me up on the hoardings. It has made me a household name. So wherever I go, it becomes difficult because everyone wants a picture with Golu. Everyone wants to talk to Gajgamani. So this is a good change but that is what it is. Q: Mirzapur film will also go on floors next year. What can you tell us about that? A: I am very excited to see the feature film. From my understanding, I have seen in the teaser trailer that Munna and Kabounder, both of them are there. So I am guessing that this is something from season 1. It will be a chapter from season 1 and season 4 will be a continuation of the story and the character's journey from season 3 to 4. But yes, the film will be very spicy, commercial and explosive. I can't wait to be a part of it. But more importantly, I can't wait to see it as an audience. Watch the film announcement teaser for Mirzapur here: Also read: Khushi Kapoor admits getting cosmetic surgeries, says 'No big deal' Q: What can you tell us about Mirzapur season 4 and when is it coming? A: I also want to know about season 4. I keep asking writers and directors what's happening and how. I am curious to know what will happen to Golu. Not just Golu, in fact, even Shikha. Where are these characters? I am just very curious because I genuinely care about these people. I am very protective about the characters I play. Maybe not possessive, but protective to whom I am. I cannot wait to be them again. Q: Who is your favourite character in Mirzapur Universe and why? A: I am obviously biased towards Guddu because I love Guddu and I love Ali. And now that they have baby Zunera so now there is more reason. Richa and Ali love each other individually. Their baby is so cute. She is so adorable. I feel connected with her. I can't wait to meet her again. Q: Also, Kaali Kaali Aankhein started off on a slow note and has now become a hit show that enjoys popularity. What is next season coming? A: That is being written. Mirzapur is also being written. So I am also waiting for that email in which it will be written Episode 1 next season. I am waiting for that day. Q: What’s new in life? A: I have left sugar. I am inspired by Gurmeet Chaudhary. I don't have a date in mind but I know whenever I eat, it has to be an event which will be special. Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi visits Maha Kumbh Mela with family, shares experience of taking holy dip Q: What are some things that you are working on in 2025? A: I have been wanting to produce since a while now, and I have stories from excellent writers and with directors attached. Ali and Richa have inspired me so much to tell good stories. I cannot wait to collaborate with like-minded people and tell the stories that raise the bar of storytelling, that raise the bar of emotions. And climate change. I want to urge people and myself to do a little more because the power is with us. We should learn to coexist better. So I am going to urge people who like me, who hear me, who see me, to pay a little more attention to that so that we can bring about this change together.

Interview | Shweta Tripathi on her favourite character from Mirzapur: 'I love Guddu......'

If there was one truth about India that everyone would agree on, is that India is truly rich in diversity and what better way to convey that than with the rich traditions of Indian classical music? Ahead of India&rsquo;s 76th Republic Day celebrations this year, we got in touch with Indian sitarist and vocalist Hidayat Husain Khan who hails from one of the most respected families in Hindustani classical music. Hidayat recently released his own rendition of India&rsquo;s National Anthem &ldquo;Jana Gana Mana&rdquo; as &ldquo;Jai Hind&rdquo; in which he used sitar predominantly to reflect the evolution of India over the years while celebrating the country&rsquo;s unity, diversity, and heritage.
In a candid chat, Hidayat Husain Khan opened up on his vision for his rendition of India&rsquo;s national Anthem, how he&rsquo;d be lost without music and more.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;
Q: How has growing up in a house full of music shaped you as a person?&nbsp;
A: It&rsquo;s been a transformative experience that has shaped me in profound ways. Music has the unique ability to connect you with your emotions and your inner self like nothing else I&rsquo;ve ever encountered. It teaches you empathy, compassion, and communication, offering a sense of understanding that transcends words. It instils humility and serves as the most loyal friend one could ever have.&nbsp;The stalwarts I grew up around were not only masters of their craft but also deeply humble and incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge. Their humility, despite their immense talent and accomplishments, left a profound impression on me.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-rapper-mischief-has-already-jammed-with-dad-talat-aziz-how-come-no-one-knows-8612417" aria-label="Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows?">Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows?</a></h2>
Q: If not music, how different would your life be today?&nbsp;
A: I honestly cannot imagine a life without music. While I have many interests and hobbies, music has always been at the core of everything I do. All my experiences, relationships, and understanding of the world are deeply intertwined with the sounds and essence of music. It&rsquo;s not just something I do; it&rsquo;s a source of meaning and connection in my life.&nbsp;To think of a life without music is unimaginable&mdash;it would feel incomplete and unfulfilled. Music isn&rsquo;t just a part of me; it defines who I am.
Q: What can you tell us about some of your collaborations with world-renowned artists? Can you mention some memories that you cherish even now?
A: I feel incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with some of the greatest musical minds from both Eastern and Western traditions. From working with legends like Alicia Keys, Pete Townshend, Will.i.am, and Jay-Z in the West to sharing the stage with maestros like Ustad Zakir Hussain, my father Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib, and Pandit Kishan Maharaj in the East, and so many more, each experience has been profoundly enriching.
Not all of these moments were traditional collaborations; some were opportunities to share the stage or musical space with these luminaries. In those moments, I absorbed invaluable lessons&mdash;far beyond what words can capture. Their brilliance, humility, and dedication left a lasting impact on me.
Q: What can you tell us about reinterpreting &ldquo;Jana Gana Mana&rdquo; and your creative journey?
A: The journey of reinterpreting &ldquo;Jana Gana Mana&rdquo; began a few months ago when I was invited to perform at an event in New York City. The hosts requested that I perform the Indian National Anthem, and as I prepared for it, I found myself reflecting deeply on its significance. This process took me down memory lane, back to my school days in Dehradun, standing in morning assemblies and singing these beautiful, meaningful songs.&nbsp;
Watch the song here:
<iframe width="1262" height="710" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lXlWbaZqfc4" title="Jai Hind, India | Jana Gana Mana | Hidayat Khan | Avirodh | Naad | Hrishi | Offical Music Video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
I realised how much of the wisdom and values embedded in those songs have shaped who I am today. As I researched existing renditions of "Jana Gana Mana", I noticed that many recent versions fuse Indian sounds with Western elements, such as philharmonic orchestras, distortion guitars, and drums. While these interpretations are brilliant in their own right, I felt a deep calling to express my version rooted in the heritage of Indian classical music&mdash;the tradition that I come from and that defines me.
I decided to tell this story through the sitar, an instrument that resonates with my soul. The piece begins with an alaap&mdash;a slow, meditative introduction that unfolds the melody of "Jana Gana Mana" in an improvised and exploratory way. This section represents the evolution of India over the years, rich with history and depth. It transitions into a jod, a rhythmic, high-energy segment that further explores the melody in an abstract and improvised manner. Finally, the anthem is sung, highlighting the unity and spirit of our nation.
For me, this project is not just about music but also about showcasing India&rsquo;s incredible diversity.&nbsp;
Q: What were some challenging aspects of reimagining a composition such as the National Anthem?
A: Reimagining a composition as iconic as "Jana Gana Mana" came with its own set of challenges. The anthem holds deep emotional and cultural significance for millions of people, so I felt a great responsibility to honour its essence while expressing my personal interpretation. Striking that balance was perhaps the most challenging aspect.
I wanted to ensure my rendition stayed true to the roots of Indian classical music, resisting the temptation to incorporate popular contemporary elements like philharmonics or Western instrumentation. Instead, I focused on letting the sitar tell the story in a way that felt authentic to my tradition and heritage.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-mumbai-born-la-based-singer-natania-on-nautanki-featuring-in-kay-beautys-campaign-and-more-8639917" aria-label="Interview| Mumbai-born LA-based singer Natania on Nautanki featuring in Kay Beauty's campaign and more">Interview| Mumbai-born LA-based singer Natania on Nautanki featuring in Kay Beauty's campaign and more</a></h2>
Q: Any message for those who listen to this rendition this Republic Day?&nbsp;
A: Through this rendition of the Indian National Anthem, my aim is to highlight the essence of unity, diversity, and shared heritage that defines India, especially in the context of Republic Day. This day symbolizes the strength of our democracy and the values that bind us as a nation, despite our immense cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity.
The journey of the alaap, the energy of the jod, and the soulfulness of the vocal segment collectively reflect the evolution of India&mdash;its struggles, triumphs, and unwavering spirit.&nbsp;I hope this rendition inspires a sense of pride and gratitude for our shared identity as Indians. It is a reminder of how far we&rsquo;ve come as a nation and the beautiful harmony we continue to strive for.&nbsp;

Interview Lifestyle Hidayat Husain Khan opens up on his vision for his rendition of India’s national Anthem Jai Hind, how he’d be lost without music and more. 

If there was one truth about India that everyone would agree on, is that India is truly rich in diversity and what better way to convey that than with the rich traditions of Indian classical music? Ahead of India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations this year, we got in touch with Indian sitarist and vocalist Hidayat Husain Khan who hails from one of the most respected families in Hindustani classical music. Hidayat recently released his own rendition of India’s National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” as “Jai Hind” in which he used sitar predominantly to reflect the evolution of India over the years while celebrating the country’s unity, diversity, and heritage. In a candid chat, Hidayat Husain Khan opened up on his vision for his rendition of India’s national Anthem, how he’d be lost without music and more. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: How has growing up in a house full of music shaped you as a person? A: It’s been a transformative experience that has shaped me in profound ways. Music has the unique ability to connect you with your emotions and your inner self like nothing else I’ve ever encountered. It teaches you empathy, compassion, and communication, offering a sense of understanding that transcends words. It instils humility and serves as the most loyal friend one could ever have. The stalwarts I grew up around were not only masters of their craft but also deeply humble and incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge. Their humility, despite their immense talent and accomplishments, left a profound impression on me. Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows? Q: If not music, how different would your life be today? A: I honestly cannot imagine a life without music. While I have many interests and hobbies, music has always been at the core of everything I do. All my experiences, relationships, and understanding of the world are deeply intertwined with the sounds and essence of music. It’s not just something I do; it’s a source of meaning and connection in my life. To think of a life without music is unimaginable—it would feel incomplete and unfulfilled. Music isn’t just a part of me; it defines who I am. Q: What can you tell us about some of your collaborations with world-renowned artists? Can you mention some memories that you cherish even now? A: I feel incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with some of the greatest musical minds from both Eastern and Western traditions. From working with legends like Alicia Keys, Pete Townshend, Will.i.am, and Jay-Z in the West to sharing the stage with maestros like Ustad Zakir Hussain, my father Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib, and Pandit Kishan Maharaj in the East, and so many more, each experience has been profoundly enriching. Not all of these moments were traditional collaborations; some were opportunities to share the stage or musical space with these luminaries. In those moments, I absorbed invaluable lessons—far beyond what words can capture. Their brilliance, humility, and dedication left a lasting impact on me. Q: What can you tell us about reinterpreting “Jana Gana Mana” and your creative journey? A: The journey of reinterpreting “Jana Gana Mana” began a few months ago when I was invited to perform at an event in New York City. The hosts requested that I perform the Indian National Anthem, and as I prepared for it, I found myself reflecting deeply on its significance. This process took me down memory lane, back to my school days in Dehradun, standing in morning assemblies and singing these beautiful, meaningful songs. Watch the song here: I realised how much of the wisdom and values embedded in those songs have shaped who I am today. As I researched existing renditions of "Jana Gana Mana", I noticed that many recent versions fuse Indian sounds with Western elements, such as philharmonic orchestras, distortion guitars, and drums. While these interpretations are brilliant in their own right, I felt a deep calling to express my version rooted in the heritage of Indian classical music—the tradition that I come from and that defines me. I decided to tell this story through the sitar, an instrument that resonates with my soul. The piece begins with an alaap—a slow, meditative introduction that unfolds the melody of "Jana Gana Mana" in an improvised and exploratory way. This section represents the evolution of India over the years, rich with history and depth. It transitions into a jod, a rhythmic, high-energy segment that further explores the melody in an abstract and improvised manner. Finally, the anthem is sung, highlighting the unity and spirit of our nation. For me, this project is not just about music but also about showcasing India’s incredible diversity. Q: What were some challenging aspects of reimagining a composition such as the National Anthem? A: Reimagining a composition as iconic as "Jana Gana Mana" came with its own set of challenges. The anthem holds deep emotional and cultural significance for millions of people, so I felt a great responsibility to honour its essence while expressing my personal interpretation. Striking that balance was perhaps the most challenging aspect. I wanted to ensure my rendition stayed true to the roots of Indian classical music, resisting the temptation to incorporate popular contemporary elements like philharmonics or Western instrumentation. Instead, I focused on letting the sitar tell the story in a way that felt authentic to my tradition and heritage. Interview| Mumbai-born LA-based singer Natania on Nautanki featuring in Kay Beauty's campaign and more Q: Any message for those who listen to this rendition this Republic Day? A: Through this rendition of the Indian National Anthem, my aim is to highlight the essence of unity, diversity, and shared heritage that defines India, especially in the context of Republic Day. This day symbolizes the strength of our democracy and the values that bind us as a nation, despite our immense cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity. The journey of the alaap, the energy of the jod, and the soulfulness of the vocal segment collectively reflect the evolution of India—its struggles, triumphs, and unwavering spirit. I hope this rendition inspires a sense of pride and gratitude for our shared identity as Indians. It is a reminder of how far we’ve come as a nation and the beautiful harmony we continue to strive for.

Interview| Hidayat Husain Khan on reinterpreting National Anthem as 'Jai Hind' ahead of Republic Day 2025

Music Interview Now living in LA, Natania has come a long way from the streets of Mumbai to make her own identity in the space of contemporary music.

Heartbreaks are the worst but you can also learn a lot from them. Mumbai-born Los Angeles-based artist Natania Lalwani opened up about her new track “Nautanki” which explores heartbreak as a means to rediscover oneself, a song that integrates Indian classical musical instruments with contemporary sounds to make something truly unique. Now residing in Los Angeles, Natania has come a long way from the streets of Mumbai to make her own identity in the space of contemporary music. “When I went to LA I didn’t know anything about songwriting, I spent 3 years in college really working on the craft of songwriting. I think that really laid the foundation for me.” “LA is honestly such an inspiring place when you’re in music, you are surrounded by so much talent and most often you’re never the best one in the room (which I love), you learn from creatives every day,” explaining how it was like to start afresh and then gain popularity. From one “Nautanki” to another, here are the edited excerpts of our exclusive chat: Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of making Nautanki? A: I picked up the guitar at about 2 am and I just started singing “When I see forest green I can’t help but think of you” and had written a bit of it that night. The next day I went into the studio with David Bu and Subhi and we shaped it out a bit more. I was so excited about it that I then called my friends Aman and Zaiyd to add their spark to it and wanted to finish the song that night. I made everyone stay up way past their bedtimes but we had such a blast making the record. Q: Nautanki integrates traditional Indian music and Western sensibilities. How do you approach the fusion? Can you explain the concept for the music video? A: I try not to think too much about it and just go with my instinct. They merge because that’s who I am at my core, both these cultures and sounds - it truly feels the most like me. I had an idea of having a bunch of girls to celebrate girlhood and get some boys to show all the different characters in the dating world we live in - that’s when Sharic Sequeira, the director, came in and took the idea from 1 to 1000%. He added such a cool spin to it, making it about finding your match, cause every nautanki needs another nautanki in this crazy world. It was so great being on the same page every step of the way and he set everything up from the actors to styling and direction. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natania (@nataniamusic) Q: How has moving from Mumbai to Los Angeles impacted your songwriting and musical style? A: When I went to LA, I didn’t know anything about songwriting, I spent 3 years in college really working on the craft of songwriting. I think that really laid the foundation for me. LA is honestly such an inspiring place when you’re in the music space. You are surrounded by so much talent and most often you’re never the best one in the room (which l love), you learn from creatives every day. With my songwriting, I’m always trying to get a little clever, or out-of-the-box to push myself out of my comfort zone. I think that happens naturally when you’re surrounded by like-minded people. Q: You've transitioned from writing for major artists like J Balvin and Skrillex to stepping into the spotlight yourself. What inspired this shift? A: I was really happy being in the studio writing for other artists. I signed my first publishing deal with Roc Nation last year and the co-founder Ty Ty had just started a South Asian label with Shabz Naqvi called Desi Trill. Their passion and excitement convinced me over an early morning phone call talking about footprints of culture and legacy and I was in. It honestly feels like the universe aligned it all for me and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s definitely more vulnerable telling my own stories - but that’s the fun of it, right? Q: Nautanki was featured in Katrina Kaif's Kay Beauty bridal campaign. What can you tell us about this collaboration? A: I’ve been so excited about this campaign. Her team had reached out to me after hearing my song “Gulzar” and asked if I had anything new in the pipeline. I sent them “Nautanki” and they loved it. I think the song is so celebratory and emotional that it fits the bold nature of the beauty campaign just seamlessly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natania (@nataniamusic) Q: You've written for major brand campaigns and shows like Only Murders in the Building and M3GAN. How does writing for global sync differ from writing personal music? A: I think with sync I’m usually never writing anything too personal - it’s just fun. I also have a very go-getter, conquer-the-world kind of side to me so I tend to write a lot of motivational/driven songs when it comes to sync to express that side of me. Robert Pattinson is obsessed with his baby's smell: My baby smells incredible Q: After writing for artists like Armaan Malik and King in India, and now signing with Desi Trill, how do you see yourself bridging the gap between Indian and global music scenes? A: It’s always been my main goal to bridge the gap from the beginning. It was exciting doing it for “Echo” with Kshmr, Eric Nam and Armaan Malik and for “Maan Meri Jaan/Afterlife” with King and Nick Jonas. I felt super proud being a part of records like these that broke the barriers. I’m excited now for what’s to come with me being the face of my music and collaborating on the front lines. Q: What drew you to sign with Desi Trill, and how does their mission of 'Brown is Everywhere' align with your own artistic vision? A: I loved the idea of them being so supportive of blending language and culture without any barriers. It’s always fun sending them new music because they’re so passionate about it. They have so much belief in South Asian music and culture and it makes me proud and grateful to be a part of it. DESI TRILL, co-founded by Shabz Naqvi and Ty-Ty Smith, champions a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and South Asian music, with a mission to elevate South Asian voices on the global stage. Melania Trump looks like a vision in black and white satin gown at the Inaugural Ball

Interview| Mumbai-born LA-based singer Natania on Nautanki featuring in Kay Beauty's campaign and more

Pushpa 2: The Rule was the biggest sensation of 2024. It managed to break box office records, set new standards for success and make movie-watchers believe in the magic of cinema after a dull and boring past few years where almost every big-ticket feature failed to register its presence. Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil in roles that we&rsquo;re sure will inspire a new slate of characters on OTT and films, we got talking to actress Aanchal Munjal who manifested her way into the film.&nbsp;
Overwhelmed with the huge response to the film Pushpa 2, Aanchal Munjal is grateful that the opportunity landed on her doors. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;
Q: The Pushpa franchise needs no introduction. How does all the love feel?
A: It's a very overwhelming feeling. I think we all saw it coming, to be honest, because the first part was such a massive hit, that the second had to be better and bigger, and that's exactly what it has proven to be.&nbsp;
Q: The year 2024 will always be memorable. You ended the year on such a high, any thoughts?
A: To be honest, I did not expect it. We shot a lot more scenes than what is shown in the film, and some scenes and dialogues were cut, which was slightly disappointing when I watched the final version. But from the very first day, first show itself, a lot of love started pouring in. My DMs started flooding, and now, anywhere and everywhere I go, people are referring to me as the "international crush." I&rsquo;m like, "Wow, what just happened?" I did not see this coming at all. I&rsquo;m just overwhelmed and grateful. I'm incredibly grateful for that.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/fb834469-2d1.jpg" alt="Pushpa 2" style="width: 580px;">
<h2>On memories from Pushpa 2 set</h2>
Q: How is Allu Arjun as an actor, and do you have any fond memories from the set?
A: He&rsquo;s a fabulous human being and incredibly dedicated. I don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;ve seen anyone as hardworking as him, except for Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. One of my fondest memories from the set was when Allu Arjun agreed to a picture.&nbsp;
We had a rule on the sets of Pushpa that no one could ask for a picture but on my last day, after developing a bond with him over ten days of shooting, I asked him for a picture, and he agreed. That was a big surprise because he never breaks that rule. It left everyone, including my director Sukumar Sir, in shock. He was kind enough to also tell me that he saw great potential in me.&nbsp;
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/8b14ac03-717.jpg" alt="Pushpa" style="width: 580px;">
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-rapper-mischief-has-already-jammed-with-dad-talat-aziz-how-come-no-one-knows-8612417" aria-label="Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows?">Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows?</a></h2>
<h2>On why South Indian language films are doing better business than Bollywood</h2>
Q: Now that you have worked in both Hindi and South-language films, why do you think the latter is working better?
A: That&rsquo;s a controversial question, but I&rsquo;ll answer smartly. Honestly, there&rsquo;s no comparison left between South and Bollywood anymore. We've seen films like Baahubali and Pushpa doing really well, just like we've seen Animal and other Bollywood films performing well. It all boils down to the script being the hero and, of course, what pleases the audience. At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s what the audience connects with that matters, and no region is superior to the other.
Q: What&rsquo;s next on your plate after Pushpa 2?
A: There&rsquo;s a lot going on, but I prefer not to talk about things until they materialise. I&rsquo;ve heard from many people that in big films, a lot of scenes get cut. For instance, Fahadh Faasil shot for 15 days with nothing shown, and Allu Arjun himself shot for a whole chunk in Japan, but it all had to be cut. I feel talking about things beforehand only makes you look foolish. Once everything materialises and the edit is locked in, that&rsquo;s when I&rsquo;ll talk about it.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/durjoy-datta-discusses-themes-of-fidelity-revenge-forgiveness-in-audiobook-the-revenge-podcast-interview-8595427" aria-label="Durjoy Datta discusses themes of fidelity, revenge in audiobook The Revenge Podcast | Interview">Durjoy Datta discusses themes of fidelity, revenge in audiobook The Revenge Podcast | Interview</a></h2>
<h2>On Allu Arjun's arrest in connection with stampede death</h2>
Q: While the film&rsquo;s doing great business even now in some places, the film was clouded in controversy when a tragedy happened on the premiere date. Do you think it&rsquo;s right to blame Allu Arjun for the stampede death?
A: Absolutely not and I&rsquo;ll quote Varun Dhawan here because I saw him speak about this at a press conference, and I completely agree with him. One individual cannot be blamed for something as tragic as this. The loss is irreplaceable, but it&rsquo;s not fair to blame one person. I&rsquo;m glad the family of the victim withdrew the case and that the person is back home safely. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/allu-arjuns-bail-terms-relaxed-in-pushpa-2-stampede-case-8610236">Allu Arjun's bail terms relaxed in Pushpa 2 stampede case</a>
Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for 2025 and how would you sum up 2024?
A: To be better and bigger, of course.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/50ff4dfe-de7.jpg" alt="Aanchal" style="width: 580px;">
As for 2024, it was magical. The year started with a lot of travel and music videos, and I didn&rsquo;t see this coming in May. Since then, I've been busy with a lot of projects, some of which I can't speak about yet. There&rsquo;s a surprise coming up, and everyone will be surprised when they see me on screen again.

In an exclusive conversation, Pushpa 2 actress Aanchal Munjal opens up on whether its right to blame Allu Arjun for the stampede and fond memories of working with Allu Arjun.

Pushpa 2: The Rule was the biggest sensation of 2024. It managed to break box office records, set new standards for success and make movie-watchers believe in the magic of cinema after a dull and boring past few years where almost every big-ticket feature failed to register its presence. Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil in roles that we’re sure will inspire a new slate of characters on OTT and films, we got talking to actress Aanchal Munjal who manifested her way into the film. Overwhelmed with the huge response to the film Pushpa 2, Aanchal Munjal is grateful that the opportunity landed on her doors. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: The Pushpa franchise needs no introduction. How does all the love feel? A: It's a very overwhelming feeling. I think we all saw it coming, to be honest, because the first part was such a massive hit, that the second had to be better and bigger, and that's exactly what it has proven to be. Q: The year 2024 will always be memorable. You ended the year on such a high, any thoughts? A: To be honest, I did not expect it. We shot a lot more scenes than what is shown in the film, and some scenes and dialogues were cut, which was slightly disappointing when I watched the final version. But from the very first day, first show itself, a lot of love started pouring in. My DMs started flooding, and now, anywhere and everywhere I go, people are referring to me as the "international crush." I’m like, "Wow, what just happened?" I did not see this coming at all. I’m just overwhelmed and grateful. I'm incredibly grateful for that. On memories from Pushpa 2 set Q: How is Allu Arjun as an actor, and do you have any fond memories from the set? A: He’s a fabulous human being and incredibly dedicated. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone as hardworking as him, except for Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. One of my fondest memories from the set was when Allu Arjun agreed to a picture. We had a rule on the sets of Pushpa that no one could ask for a picture but on my last day, after developing a bond with him over ten days of shooting, I asked him for a picture, and he agreed. That was a big surprise because he never breaks that rule. It left everyone, including my director Sukumar Sir, in shock. He was kind enough to also tell me that he saw great potential in me. Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows? On why South Indian language films are doing better business than Bollywood Q: Now that you have worked in both Hindi and South-language films, why do you think the latter is working better? A: That’s a controversial question, but I’ll answer smartly. Honestly, there’s no comparison left between South and Bollywood anymore. We've seen films like Baahubali and Pushpa doing really well, just like we've seen Animal and other Bollywood films performing well. It all boils down to the script being the hero and, of course, what pleases the audience. At the end of the day, it’s what the audience connects with that matters, and no region is superior to the other. Q: What’s next on your plate after Pushpa 2? A: There’s a lot going on, but I prefer not to talk about things until they materialise. I’ve heard from many people that in big films, a lot of scenes get cut. For instance, Fahadh Faasil shot for 15 days with nothing shown, and Allu Arjun himself shot for a whole chunk in Japan, but it all had to be cut. I feel talking about things beforehand only makes you look foolish. Once everything materialises and the edit is locked in, that’s when I’ll talk about it. Durjoy Datta discusses themes of fidelity, revenge in audiobook The Revenge Podcast | Interview On Allu Arjun's arrest in connection with stampede death Q: While the film’s doing great business even now in some places, the film was clouded in controversy when a tragedy happened on the premiere date. Do you think it’s right to blame Allu Arjun for the stampede death? A: Absolutely not and I’ll quote Varun Dhawan here because I saw him speak about this at a press conference, and I completely agree with him. One individual cannot be blamed for something as tragic as this. The loss is irreplaceable, but it’s not fair to blame one person. I’m glad the family of the victim withdrew the case and that the person is back home safely. Allu Arjun's bail terms relaxed in Pushpa 2 stampede case Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for 2025 and how would you sum up 2024? A: To be better and bigger, of course. As for 2024, it was magical. The year started with a lot of travel and music videos, and I didn’t see this coming in May. Since then, I've been busy with a lot of projects, some of which I can't speak about yet. There’s a surprise coming up, and everyone will be surprised when they see me on screen again.

Interview| Pushpa 2 actor Aanchal Munjal shares fond memory with Allu Arjun: 'He never breaks rule....'

Mischief aka Aiden Aziz is not your regular artist. He wants to be loved as a musician who never takes things or life (for that matter) too seriously and embraces a bit of chaos in his pursuit of creativity.
With the success of his recently released track &ldquo;Cleopatra&rdquo; and the amazing response he&rsquo;s receiving for the music video of his track &ldquo;Blue Pills&rdquo; which uses artificial intelligence to bring a vibe that a regular shot would not have captured, Mischief spoke to us exclusively about whether or not his music is mischievous like his stage name, his &ldquo;hidden in plain sight&rdquo; collaboration with ghazal singer-actor father Talat Aziz and if growing up in a house with music playing in the background helped him make this career choice.
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:
Q: Aiden. How do you come up with this stage name &ndash; Mischief?
A: The name came naturally to me because it felt authentic to who I am, both as a person and an artist. It&rsquo;s a reminder to never take things too seriously and to always embrace a bit of chaos in the pursuit of creativity. They say when you&rsquo;ve been traumatised enough times, you stop taking things so seriously.&nbsp;
<h2>Who is Mischief- The Artist?</h2>
Q: Were you mischievous growing up? Is your music mischievous?
A: Yeah, I was definitely mischievous growing up. I loved joking around, pulling pranks, and doing things for shock value&mdash;just to see how people would react. I guess you could say I had a bit of a mastermind streak even back then. I liked staying two steps ahead, always planning my moves like a chess game. It&rsquo;s kind of like being the Riddler, you know? Calculative and creative with just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
As for my music, it reflects all the layers of my personality. Some of it is mischievous&mdash;playful, challenging norms, and poking fun at things. But it&rsquo;s not all mischief. There&rsquo;s a deeper, more serious side that&rsquo;s raw and real.&nbsp;
I think being mischievous is just a synonym for being authentic. Most people try to hide their imperfections or their rebellious side, but I embrace mine. Who I am&mdash;good, bad, or misunderstood and everything in between&mdash;is what you&rsquo;ll see and hear in my music. The unpredictability, my motives, the risks I&rsquo;ve taken, having that natural edge&mdash;it&rsquo;s all part of being mischievous.
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Q: What can you tell us about the inspiration behind your music?
A: It&rsquo;s really an amalgamation of everything I&rsquo;ve grown up with&mdash;the artists I&rsquo;ve listened to, the sounds I&rsquo;ve absorbed, and the styles that have resonated with me over time. It&rsquo;s all of that mixed with my own unique perspective. I&rsquo;m always exploring new sounds, experimenting with styles, and finding ways to present myself authentically true to myself.
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I&rsquo;m cut from a different cloth, I wouldn&rsquo;t fit in even if I tried to and believe me I&rsquo;ve tried in the past, but when I realised I can&rsquo;t be like them, and I&rsquo;m not just another addition I decided to stand out amongst the long line of carbon copies by own admission. I embrace it now.&nbsp;
I believe every artist should express themselves fully, and unapologetically, and create something that feels unique to who they are. My mantra is simple: don&rsquo;t be another copy. Be your own, by your own admission. That&rsquo;s the essence of what drives me creatively.
Q: Was music a big influence in your life growing up?
A: Music was, and still is, everything to me. It&rsquo;s been my friend, my guide, and even my parent at times. Growing up, the artists I listened to became what the people in my life couldn&rsquo;t always be for me. It was just me and the music most of the time, and that connection shaped who I am today.
What I love most about music is its honesty. Through an artist&rsquo;s expression, you hear their truth&mdash;more raw and real than they might ever say in conversation.&nbsp;
Not all music is honest, of course, but the emotion behind it is often genuine, and that&rsquo;s what resonates with me. Music doesn&rsquo;t sugarcoat life. It&rsquo;s not a sweet world we live and it&rsquo;s not always sweet words or picture-perfect gestures we use to express ourselves. Everyone is flawed but that&rsquo;s what makes it so beautiful and relatable.&nbsp;
<h2>Artificial Intelligence in music</h2>
Q: You&rsquo;ve used AI to create the video for Blue Pills. What can you tell us about that vision? Can technology ever replace human talent?
A: Technology will never replace human talent. There&rsquo;s magic in imperfection that no machine can replicate. The beauty of human expression lies in its flaws&mdash;those unpredictable moments that make a song or a piece of art feel alive. When you listen to something created entirely by AI, it can sometimes feel too perfect, or too structured, and that takes away the raw, human quality that resonates with us. The greatest works of art&mdash;whether music, painting, or film&mdash;were never perfect, and that&rsquo;s what makes them timeless.
That said, AI is a powerful tool that&rsquo;s changing the game for creators. For instance, with the Blue Pills video, I was able to bring a vision to life that might&rsquo;ve required a massive budget a few years ago. Now, artists like me can produce cinematic visuals that look like they belong in a big-budget blockbuster, but with just a fraction of the cost. AI allows us to translate imagination into reality, opening up endless possibilities for creativity.
AI also offers other fascinating applications, like de-ageing voices or actors. Imagine hearing a legendary artist who&rsquo;s no longer with us&mdash;or creating new work that feels like it&rsquo;s from their prime. It&rsquo;s mind-blowing what we can do with technology today, and it&rsquo;s only getting better.
For me, AI is a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. It&rsquo;s a way to push boundaries and explore new frontiers, but the heart of the work&mdash;the emotion, the authenticity&mdash;still comes from the human experience. I&rsquo;ve got so much more in store, from The World Is Mine to the next wave of videos, and I&rsquo;m excited to use AI to bring those ideas to life. The future is limitless.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/we-are-safe-as-of-now-amid-smoggy-skies-preity-zinta-shares-horrific-details-of-los-angeles-wildfire-8612018" aria-label="'We are safe as of now' amid 'smoggy skies': Preity Zinta shares horrific details of Los Angeles Wildfire">'We are safe as of now' amid 'smoggy skies': Preity Zinta shares horrific details of Los Angeles Wildfire</a></h2>
<h2>Aiden Aziz and dad Talat Aziz have already collaborated</h2>
Q: Do you and your dad share notes on music? Can we ever expect a collaboration between you two?
A: Honestly, me and my dad don&rsquo;t really share notes. He&rsquo;s in a completely different musical world&mdash;he listens to ghazals and classical music, and he has no idea about rap or the genres I work in. It&rsquo;s not his thing, and that&rsquo;s fine. Our styles are so different that it&rsquo;s like two parallel universes.
That said, I did secretly include him in one of my songs, "Cleopatra". He&rsquo;s actually singing with me in it, but I never mentioned it to anyone because I wanted to see if people could pick it out. It was a little experiment, maybe even a bit of my own vanity, but it was a cool way to blend his world with mine. So, technically, a collaboration has already happened&mdash;it&rsquo;s just hidden in plain sight.

In an exclusive interview, Aiden Aziz aka Mischief breaks down what growing up in a house where ghazals and classical music were played predominantly was like and more.

Mischief aka Aiden Aziz is not your regular artist. He wants to be loved as a musician who never takes things or life (for that matter) too seriously and embraces a bit of chaos in his pursuit of creativity. With the success of his recently released track “Cleopatra” and the amazing response he’s receiving for the music video of his track “Blue Pills” which uses artificial intelligence to bring a vibe that a regular shot would not have captured, Mischief spoke to us exclusively about whether or not his music is mischievous like his stage name, his “hidden in plain sight” collaboration with ghazal singer-actor father Talat Aziz and if growing up in a house with music playing in the background helped him make this career choice. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: Aiden. How do you come up with this stage name – Mischief? A: The name came naturally to me because it felt authentic to who I am, both as a person and an artist. It’s a reminder to never take things too seriously and to always embrace a bit of chaos in the pursuit of creativity. They say when you’ve been traumatised enough times, you stop taking things so seriously. Who is Mischief- The Artist? Q: Were you mischievous growing up? Is your music mischievous? A: Yeah, I was definitely mischievous growing up. I loved joking around, pulling pranks, and doing things for shock value—just to see how people would react. I guess you could say I had a bit of a mastermind streak even back then. I liked staying two steps ahead, always planning my moves like a chess game. It’s kind of like being the Riddler, you know? Calculative and creative with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. As for my music, it reflects all the layers of my personality. Some of it is mischievous—playful, challenging norms, and poking fun at things. But it’s not all mischief. There’s a deeper, more serious side that’s raw and real. I think being mischievous is just a synonym for being authentic. Most people try to hide their imperfections or their rebellious side, but I embrace mine. Who I am—good, bad, or misunderstood and everything in between—is what you’ll see and hear in my music. The unpredictability, my motives, the risks I’ve taken, having that natural edge—it’s all part of being mischievous. Grammys to get delayed due to LA wildfires? Here's what we know Q: What can you tell us about the inspiration behind your music? A: It’s really an amalgamation of everything I’ve grown up with—the artists I’ve listened to, the sounds I’ve absorbed, and the styles that have resonated with me over time. It’s all of that mixed with my own unique perspective. I’m always exploring new sounds, experimenting with styles, and finding ways to present myself authentically true to myself. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mischief (@dakingmischief) I’m cut from a different cloth, I wouldn’t fit in even if I tried to and believe me I’ve tried in the past, but when I realised I can’t be like them, and I’m not just another addition I decided to stand out amongst the long line of carbon copies by own admission. I embrace it now. I believe every artist should express themselves fully, and unapologetically, and create something that feels unique to who they are. My mantra is simple: don’t be another copy. Be your own, by your own admission. That’s the essence of what drives me creatively. Q: Was music a big influence in your life growing up? A: Music was, and still is, everything to me. It’s been my friend, my guide, and even my parent at times. Growing up, the artists I listened to became what the people in my life couldn’t always be for me. It was just me and the music most of the time, and that connection shaped who I am today. What I love most about music is its honesty. Through an artist’s expression, you hear their truth—more raw and real than they might ever say in conversation. Not all music is honest, of course, but the emotion behind it is often genuine, and that’s what resonates with me. Music doesn’t sugarcoat life. It’s not a sweet world we live and it’s not always sweet words or picture-perfect gestures we use to express ourselves. Everyone is flawed but that’s what makes it so beautiful and relatable. Artificial Intelligence in music Q: You’ve used AI to create the video for Blue Pills. What can you tell us about that vision? Can technology ever replace human talent? A: Technology will never replace human talent. There’s magic in imperfection that no machine can replicate. The beauty of human expression lies in its flaws—those unpredictable moments that make a song or a piece of art feel alive. When you listen to something created entirely by AI, it can sometimes feel too perfect, or too structured, and that takes away the raw, human quality that resonates with us. The greatest works of art—whether music, painting, or film—were never perfect, and that’s what makes them timeless. That said, AI is a powerful tool that’s changing the game for creators. For instance, with the Blue Pills video, I was able to bring a vision to life that might’ve required a massive budget a few years ago. Now, artists like me can produce cinematic visuals that look like they belong in a big-budget blockbuster, but with just a fraction of the cost. AI allows us to translate imagination into reality, opening up endless possibilities for creativity. AI also offers other fascinating applications, like de-ageing voices or actors. Imagine hearing a legendary artist who’s no longer with us—or creating new work that feels like it’s from their prime. It’s mind-blowing what we can do with technology today, and it’s only getting better. For me, AI is a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. It’s a way to push boundaries and explore new frontiers, but the heart of the work—the emotion, the authenticity—still comes from the human experience. I’ve got so much more in store, from The World Is Mine to the next wave of videos, and I’m excited to use AI to bring those ideas to life. The future is limitless. 'We are safe as of now' amid 'smoggy skies': Preity Zinta shares horrific details of Los Angeles Wildfire Aiden Aziz and dad Talat Aziz have already collaborated Q: Do you and your dad share notes on music? Can we ever expect a collaboration between you two? A: Honestly, me and my dad don’t really share notes. He’s in a completely different musical world—he listens to ghazals and classical music, and he has no idea about rap or the genres I work in. It’s not his thing, and that’s fine. Our styles are so different that it’s like two parallel universes. That said, I did secretly include him in one of my songs, "Cleopatra". He’s actually singing with me in it, but I never mentioned it to anyone because I wanted to see if people could pick it out. It was a little experiment, maybe even a bit of my own vanity, but it was a cool way to blend his world with mine. So, technically, a collaboration has already happened—it’s just hidden in plain sight.

Interview | Rapper Mischief has already jammed with dad Talat Aziz. How come no one knows?

Durjoy Datta recently launched the much-talked-about audiobook The Revenge Podcast which takes a unique view on themes of morality, love, relationships and the ever-evolving meaning of commitment. The audiobook&nbsp;The Revenge Podcast tells the story of Deb and Avantika, two jilted lovers bound by betrayal. They channel their raw emotions into candid conversations about the ultimate betrayal: their partners cheating with each other. What begins as an outlet to vent spirals into a rollercoaster of confessions, burning questions, and unexpected revelations. The duo go through a rollercoaster of emotions of revenge, forgiveness and more.
In an email conversation, Durjoy discusses the theme of his audiobook, how storytelling is evolving with technology, and what it means to expand on the audio medium.&nbsp;
Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:
Q: What&rsquo;s the central theme of the audiobook?&nbsp;
A: The Revenge Podcast is about this interesting space where heartbreak meets podcast. Deb and Avantika start a podcast to vent about their cheating exes - and weirdly, their shared hatred for cricket becomes this running theme. What begins as a revenge project starts resonating with people who've been through similar pain.
The interesting part is how their relationship evolves while they're busy creating content about their past relationships. They're processing their trauma on air, and somewhere between episodes, they start developing feelings for each other. But it's complicated - they're both still healing, both still figuring things out.
<h2>Why are audiobooks becoming so popular?</h2>
Q: Audiobooks have become exceptionally popular in the past few years. How do you feel about it?
A: It's fascinating to see how storytelling is evolving. I think podcasts and audiobooks aren't replacing written literature but adding new dimensions to it. When I write a book, I imagine readers alone with their thoughts, creating their own version of the characters. But when the same story is narrated, it becomes this intimate experience where someone's literally telling you a story. It reminds me of how we all grew up listening to stories from others or telling our own. Different medium, same magic.
Q: As an author who enjoys popularity, how comfortable are you with the idea of audiobooks?
A: I was skeptical at first about audiobooks - you know how authors can be protective about their work but I've come to appreciate how they make stories accessible to people who might not have time to sit down with a book. My readers, especially younger ones, often tell me they listen to books during their commute or while working out. It's beautiful how stories can now fit into these spaces of our busy lives.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/5-audiobooks-for-the-perfect-head-start-for-2025-8588206">5 Audiobooks For The Perfect Head Start For 2025</a>
<h2>Durjoy Datta's top recommendations in books</h2>
Q: Which are your top 5 book recommendations for this year? Any audiobooks and podcasts that you're listening to or have been your favourites?
A: Sometimes I buy audiobooks of the same books I&rsquo;m reading hard copies of. This year I have to listen to at least a part of these books in audiobook format.
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - How to Know A Person by David Brooks&nbsp; - We Solve Murders by Richard Osman&nbsp;
Q: What can you tell us about your association with Audible?
Working with Audible has been eye-opening. When your words are being performed rather than just read, it adds this whole new layer to storytelling. I've learned a lot about how stories can be experienced differently when heard versus read. It's made me more conscious about rhythm and sound even when I'm writing for the page.
&nbsp;

In his audiobook, The Revenge Podcast, two jilted lovers Deb and Avantika go through a sea of emotions after being cheated on by their respective partners.

Durjoy Datta recently launched the much-talked-about audiobook The Revenge Podcast which takes a unique view on themes of morality, love, relationships and the ever-evolving meaning of commitment. The audiobook The Revenge Podcast tells the story of Deb and Avantika, two jilted lovers bound by betrayal. They channel their raw emotions into candid conversations about the ultimate betrayal: their partners cheating with each other. What begins as an outlet to vent spirals into a rollercoaster of confessions, burning questions, and unexpected revelations. The duo go through a rollercoaster of emotions of revenge, forgiveness and more. In an email conversation, Durjoy discusses the theme of his audiobook, how storytelling is evolving with technology, and what it means to expand on the audio medium. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: What’s the central theme of the audiobook? A: The Revenge Podcast is about this interesting space where heartbreak meets podcast. Deb and Avantika start a podcast to vent about their cheating exes - and weirdly, their shared hatred for cricket becomes this running theme. What begins as a revenge project starts resonating with people who've been through similar pain. The interesting part is how their relationship evolves while they're busy creating content about their past relationships. They're processing their trauma on air, and somewhere between episodes, they start developing feelings for each other. But it's complicated - they're both still healing, both still figuring things out. Why are audiobooks becoming so popular? Q: Audiobooks have become exceptionally popular in the past few years. How do you feel about it? A: It's fascinating to see how storytelling is evolving. I think podcasts and audiobooks aren't replacing written literature but adding new dimensions to it. When I write a book, I imagine readers alone with their thoughts, creating their own version of the characters. But when the same story is narrated, it becomes this intimate experience where someone's literally telling you a story. It reminds me of how we all grew up listening to stories from others or telling our own. Different medium, same magic. Q: As an author who enjoys popularity, how comfortable are you with the idea of audiobooks? A: I was skeptical at first about audiobooks - you know how authors can be protective about their work but I've come to appreciate how they make stories accessible to people who might not have time to sit down with a book. My readers, especially younger ones, often tell me they listen to books during their commute or while working out. It's beautiful how stories can now fit into these spaces of our busy lives. Also read: 5 Audiobooks For The Perfect Head Start For 2025 Durjoy Datta's top recommendations in books Q: Which are your top 5 book recommendations for this year? Any audiobooks and podcasts that you're listening to or have been your favourites? A: Sometimes I buy audiobooks of the same books I’m reading hard copies of. This year I have to listen to at least a part of these books in audiobook format. - Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - How to Know A Person by David Brooks - We Solve Murders by Richard Osman Q: What can you tell us about your association with Audible? Working with Audible has been eye-opening. When your words are being performed rather than just read, it adds this whole new layer to storytelling. I've learned a lot about how stories can be experienced differently when heard versus read. It's made me more conscious about rhythm and sound even when I'm writing for the page.

Durjoy Datta discusses themes of fidelity, revenge in audiobook The Revenge Podcast | Interview

New Delhi
Come new year and award-winning Indian flautist Ronu Majumdar is gearing for his highly awaited international album. A flute artist of the Hindustani classical music tradition, Ronu has never shied from experimenting with different styles of music. Trained in classical, Ronu has worked in Bollywood films, has jammed with international artists and wants to do many more collaborations that are different from anything he’s done before. 
In conversation with WION, flautist Ronu Majumdar opened up about all good things that he hopes for in 2025:
Q: Can you tell us more about your highly awaited international album? 
A: My international album is currently in progress and is a collaboration with the Indian musical composer and three-time Grammy winner, Ricky Kej. We have already recorded two tracks, and I am eagerly waiting for the final cut. Besides this, I am working on a folk-based album, which will be completed soon. I am eagerly waiting to complete both albums and share the release dates with my audience soon.
Q: Your performances and collaborations have left an indelible mark on the music world. Which of your jugalbandis holds a special place in your heart?
A: One of my most memorable jugalbandis was with the renowned American musician and songwriter Ry Cooder, who is hailed as the father of world music. Our collaborations on several albums, including Fascinoma and Hollow Bamboo, as well as the Hollywood film Primary Colours, have been enriching. 
My collaboration with the legendary late Dr. Balamurali Krishna also holds a special place in my heart. My collaborations with him introduced me to the South Indian instrument, Saraswati Veena, more closely. Initially, I was fond of the instrument, but over time it has become more special to me and has influenced my musical journey.
Q: You have never shied from Bollywood too. Which of your Bollywood compositions holds the most meaning to you?
A: Bollywood has been an integral part of my life and career, and throughout this musical journey, several compositions have touched my heart. For example, the song "Kuch Na Kaho" from 1942: A Love Story, which I played with RD Burman, holds an emotional significance as it was the last film before we lost Pancham Da. Other songs that are special to me include "Yaad Aarahi Hai" from Kumar Gaurav’s first movie Love Story, and various collaborations with Kishore Kumar. 
The song "Khali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai" featuring Asha Bhosle was also a memorable experience. Discussing these musical gems brings to mind the beautiful composition “Yeh Kya Hua” from the movie Amar Prem. Though I was not a part of the song, I really enjoy its melody.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/breaking-down-how-atul-kumar-re-imagined-mark-haddons-classic-novel-for-indian-audience-786202">Breaking down how Atul Kumar re-imagined Mark Haddon’s classic novel for Indian audience</a>
Q: As a disciple of the revered Pandit Ravi Shankar, you have carried forward his incredible legacy. How do you ensure that this rich tradition of music reaches the aspiring musicians?
A: Pandit Ravi Shankar was a Bharat Ratna, but we affectionately refer to him as Vishwaratna. I am dedicated to carrying forward his Beenkari style and popularizing the richness of his music. I also have even designed a Shankh Bansuri, a 3 and ⅕ -ft long flute to propagate his teachings and connect with the new generation of musicians. 
Today’s young musicians are keen to learn about our roots and cultural heritage, and it is really inspiring to see their enthusiasm. I intend to keep them motivated and help preserve the richness of our guru’s legacy through music.

Indian flute artist Ronu Majumdar is gearing up for a new international album in the new year. Ronu spoke to WION about his musical journey, collaborations with Bollywood legends and more. 



New Delhi Come new year and award-winning Indian flautist Ronu Majumdar is gearing for his highly awaited international album. A flute artist of the Hindustani classical music tradition, Ronu has never shied from experimenting with different styles of music. Trained in classical, Ronu has worked in Bollywood films, has jammed with international artists and wants to do many more collaborations that are different from anything he’s done before. In conversation with WION, flautist Ronu Majumdar opened up about all good things that he hopes for in 2025: Q: Can you tell us more about your highly awaited international album? A: My international album is currently in progress and is a collaboration with the Indian musical composer and three-time Grammy winner, Ricky Kej. We have already recorded two tracks, and I am eagerly waiting for the final cut. Besides this, I am working on a folk-based album, which will be completed soon. I am eagerly waiting to complete both albums and share the release dates with my audience soon. Q: Your performances and collaborations have left an indelible mark on the music world. Which of your jugalbandis holds a special place in your heart? A: One of my most memorable jugalbandis was with the renowned American musician and songwriter Ry Cooder, who is hailed as the father of world music. Our collaborations on several albums, including Fascinoma and Hollow Bamboo, as well as the Hollywood film Primary Colours, have been enriching. My collaboration with the legendary late Dr. Balamurali Krishna also holds a special place in my heart. My collaborations with him introduced me to the South Indian instrument, Saraswati Veena, more closely. Initially, I was fond of the instrument, but over time it has become more special to me and has influenced my musical journey. Q: You have never shied from Bollywood too. Which of your Bollywood compositions holds the most meaning to you? A: Bollywood has been an integral part of my life and career, and throughout this musical journey, several compositions have touched my heart. For example, the song "Kuch Na Kaho" from 1942: A Love Story, which I played with RD Burman, holds an emotional significance as it was the last film before we lost Pancham Da. Other songs that are special to me include "Yaad Aarahi Hai" from Kumar Gaurav’s first movie Love Story, and various collaborations with Kishore Kumar. The song "Khali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai" featuring Asha Bhosle was also a memorable experience. Discussing these musical gems brings to mind the beautiful composition “Yeh Kya Hua” from the movie Amar Prem. Though I was not a part of the song, I really enjoy its melody. Also read: Breaking down how Atul Kumar re-imagined Mark Haddon’s classic novel for Indian audience Q: As a disciple of the revered Pandit Ravi Shankar, you have carried forward his incredible legacy. How do you ensure that this rich tradition of music reaches the aspiring musicians? A: Pandit Ravi Shankar was a Bharat Ratna, but we affectionately refer to him as Vishwaratna. I am dedicated to carrying forward his Beenkari style and popularizing the richness of his music. I also have even designed a Shankh Bansuri, a 3 and ⅕ -ft long flute to propagate his teachings and connect with the new generation of musicians. Today’s young musicians are keen to learn about our roots and cultural heritage, and it is really inspiring to see their enthusiasm. I intend to keep them motivated and help preserve the richness of our guru’s legacy through music.

From collabs with RD Burman to Kishore Kumar, Ronu Majumdar revisits his musical journey

Come new year and award-winning Indian flautist Ronu Majumdar is gearing for his highly awaited international album. A flute artist of the Hindustani classical music tradition, Ronu has never shied from experimenting with different styles of music. Trained in classical, Ronu has worked in Bollywood films, has jammed with international artists and wants to do many more collaborations that are different from anything he’s done before.&nbsp;

In conversation with WION, flautist Ronu Majumdar opened up about all good things that he hopes for in 2025:

Q: Can you tell us more about your highly awaited international album?&nbsp;

A: My international album is currently in progress and is a collaboration with the Indian musical composer and three-time Grammy winner, Ricky Kej. We have already recorded two tracks, and I am eagerly waiting for the final cut. Besides this, I am working on a folk-based album, which will be completed soon. I am eagerly waiting to complete both albums and share the release dates with my audience soon.

Q: Your performances and collaborations have left an indelible mark on the music world. Which of your jugalbandis holds a special place in your heart?

A: One of my most memorable jugalbandis was with the renowned American musician and songwriter Ry Cooder, who is hailed as the father of world music. Our collaborations on several albums, including Fascinoma and Hollow Bamboo, as well as the Hollywood film Primary Colours, have been enriching.&nbsp;

My collaboration with the legendary late Dr. Balamurali Krishna also holds a special place in my heart. My collaborations with him introduced me to the South Indian instrument, Saraswati Veena, more closely. Initially, I was fond of the instrument, but over time it has become more special to me and has influenced my musical journey.

Q: You have never shied from Bollywood too. Which of your Bollywood compositions holds the most meaning to you?

A: Bollywood has been an integral part of my life and career, and throughout this musical journey, several compositions have touched my heart. For example, the song "Kuch Na Kaho" from 1942: A Love Story, which I played with RD Burman, holds an emotional significance as it was the last film before we lost Pancham Da. Other songs that are special to me include "Yaad Aarahi Hai" from Kumar Gaurav’s first movie Love Story, and various collaborations with Kishore Kumar.&nbsp;

The song "Khali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai" featuring Asha Bhosle was also a memorable experience. Discussing these musical gems brings to mind the beautiful composition “Yeh Kya Hua” from the movie Amar Prem. Though I was not a part of the song, I really enjoy its melody.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/breaking-down-how-atul-kumar-re-imagined-mark-haddons-classic-novel-for-indian-audience-786202">Breaking down how Atul Kumar re-imagined Mark Haddon’s classic novel for Indian audience</a>

Q: As a disciple of the revered Pandit Ravi Shankar, you have carried forward his incredible legacy. How do you ensure that this rich tradition of music reaches the aspiring musicians?

A: Pandit Ravi Shankar was a Bharat Ratna, but we affectionately refer to him as Vishwaratna. I am dedicated to carrying forward his Beenkari style and popularizing the richness of his music. I also have even designed a Shankh Bansuri, a 3 and ⅕ -ft long flute to propagate his teachings and connect with the new generation of musicians.&nbsp;

Today’s young musicians are keen to learn about our roots and cultural heritage, and it is really inspiring to see their enthusiasm. I intend to keep them motivated and help preserve the richness of our guru’s legacy through music.

Come new year and award-winning Indian flautist Ronu Majumdar is gearing for his highly awaited international album. A flute artist of the Hindustani classical music tradition, Ronu has never shied from experimenting with different styles of music.

Come new year and award-winning Indian flautist Ronu Majumdar is gearing for his highly awaited international album. A flute artist of the Hindustani classical music tradition, Ronu has never shied from experimenting with different styles of music. Trained in classical, Ronu has worked in Bollywood films, has jammed with international artists and wants to do many more collaborations that are different from anything he’s done before. In conversation with WION, flautist Ronu Majumdar opened up about all good things that he hopes for in 2025: Q: Can you tell us more about your highly awaited international album? A: My international album is currently in progress and is a collaboration with the Indian musical composer and three-time Grammy winner, Ricky Kej. We have already recorded two tracks, and I am eagerly waiting for the final cut. Besides this, I am working on a folk-based album, which will be completed soon. I am eagerly waiting to complete both albums and share the release dates with my audience soon. Q: Your performances and collaborations have left an indelible mark on the music world. Which of your jugalbandis holds a special place in your heart? A: One of my most memorable jugalbandis was with the renowned American musician and songwriter Ry Cooder, who is hailed as the father of world music. Our collaborations on several albums, including Fascinoma and Hollow Bamboo, as well as the Hollywood film Primary Colours, have been enriching. My collaboration with the legendary late Dr. Balamurali Krishna also holds a special place in my heart. My collaborations with him introduced me to the South Indian instrument, Saraswati Veena, more closely. Initially, I was fond of the instrument, but over time it has become more special to me and has influenced my musical journey. Q: You have never shied from Bollywood too. Which of your Bollywood compositions holds the most meaning to you? A: Bollywood has been an integral part of my life and career, and throughout this musical journey, several compositions have touched my heart. For example, the song "Kuch Na Kaho" from 1942: A Love Story, which I played with RD Burman, holds an emotional significance as it was the last film before we lost Pancham Da. Other songs that are special to me include "Yaad Aarahi Hai" from Kumar Gaurav’s first movie Love Story, and various collaborations with Kishore Kumar. The song "Khali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai" featuring Asha Bhosle was also a memorable experience. Discussing these musical gems brings to mind the beautiful composition “Yeh Kya Hua” from the movie Amar Prem. Though I was not a part of the song, I really enjoy its melody. Also read: Breaking down how Atul Kumar re-imagined Mark Haddon’s classic novel for Indian audience Q: As a disciple of the revered Pandit Ravi Shankar, you have carried forward his incredible legacy. How do you ensure that this rich tradition of music reaches the aspiring musicians? A: Pandit Ravi Shankar was a Bharat Ratna, but we affectionately refer to him as Vishwaratna. I am dedicated to carrying forward his Beenkari style and popularizing the richness of his music. I also have even designed a Shankh Bansuri, a 3 and ⅕ -ft long flute to propagate his teachings and connect with the new generation of musicians. Today’s young musicians are keen to learn about our roots and cultural heritage, and it is really inspiring to see their enthusiasm. I intend to keep them motivated and help preserve the richness of our guru’s legacy through music.

The World Economic Forum monitors the ever-evolving landscape of trade & economy. At the recently concluded Riyadh summit 2024, WION’s business editor Rahul Karunakar spoke to Matthew Stephenson, head of investment & services, WEF on the emerging tech & geo-economic shifts around the world. Listen in…

‘3 Major Shifts: Geo-economic, Tech & Green Energy’: WION’s Exclusive With Head Of Investment, WEF

In this exclusive interview with WION, Kobbi Shoshani, Israel's Consul General to the Midwest India, shares his perspective on key issues. He discusses his assessment of Syria and expectations from the current regime change, Israel’s bombing of facilities in Syria, and Netanyahu’s message to Iran. Shoshani also delves into the future of India-Israel military ties, the situation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, and the prospects of a Gaza ceasefire.

Exclusive Interview: Kobbi Shoshani, Israel's Consul General To The Midwest India, Speaks To WION

Freedom at Midnight will start streaming from November 15 on SonyLIV as it traces what it took to earn India's freedom from Britain and how the political landscape changed dynamically to make way for India's first independent government. WION's Zeba Khan spoke to show's director Nikkhil Advani and actors Rajendra Chawala, Chirag Vohra and Sidhant Gupta about their roles and more.

Freedom at Midnight Cast Interview

Former United States president Donald Trump's&nbsp;exclusive interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya is set to air&nbsp;on Sunday (Oct 20), as the Republican presidential nominee continues his campaigning for the upcoming US presidential&nbsp;elections.&nbsp;

<h2>When to watch?&nbsp;</h2>

Trump's interview with Al Arabiya's Nadia Bilbassy-Charters will be live on Sunday at 12:30 am (IST) (19:00 GMT).&nbsp;

<h2>Where to watch?</h2>

The full interview will be available on Al Arabiya and Al Arabiya News.&nbsp;

<h2>Key highlights of interview:</h2>

The Republican presidential nominee is expected to criticise his successor&nbsp;Joe Biden and his administration’s foreign policy failures for the wars on multiple fronts.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US Elections: Harris Slams Trump For 'Day Of Love' Remark | Early Voting Begins In North Carolina

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During the interview, which as per the media outlet has already been recorded, Trump&nbsp;stressed that if he were president, the October 7 attack on Israel wouldn’t have happened.

“If I were president, that war would have never started. You wouldn’t have all those dead people… [and] demolished cities and areas. [We] wouldn’t have had October 7,” the former US president&nbsp;said according to Al Arabiya.&nbsp;

However, Trump has been cancelling some of his lined-up interviews and events recently, saying that there have been "scheduling conflicts", and adding that he is really exhausted according to Yahoo News.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-interview-with-wwe-legend-undertaker-on-his-podcast-to-win-bro-votes-reports-768837">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump to interview with WWE legend Undertaker on his podcast to win 'bro' votes: Reports</a>

Recently, he has withdrawn from his planned appearance on CBS'&nbsp;60 Minutes as his campaign had a disagreement over live fact-checking.&nbsp;

Trump's campaign spokesperson said that he has conducted nearly three times as many interviews as his Democratic rival candidate Kamala Harris, emphasising his high energy levels.&nbsp;

Moreover, Trump has several rallies planned across the US, while Harris will be campaigning alongside former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michele Obama.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former United States president Donald Trump's exclusive interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya is set to air on Sunday (Oct 20), as the Republican presidential nominee continues his campaigning for the upcoming US presidential elections.

Former United States president Donald Trump's exclusive interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya is set to air on Sunday (Oct 20), as the Republican presidential nominee continues his campaigning for the upcoming US presidential elections. When to watch? Trump's interview with Al Arabiya's Nadia Bilbassy-Charters will be live on Sunday at 12:30 am (IST) (19:00 GMT). Where to watch? The full interview will be available on Al Arabiya and Al Arabiya News. Key highlights of interview: The Republican presidential nominee is expected to criticise his successor Joe Biden and his administration’s foreign policy failures for the wars on multiple fronts. Watch | US Elections: Harris Slams Trump For 'Day Of Love' Remark | Early Voting Begins In North Carolina × During the interview, which as per the media outlet has already been recorded, Trump stressed that if he were president, the October 7 attack on Israel wouldn’t have happened. “If I were president, that war would have never started. You wouldn’t have all those dead people… [and] demolished cities and areas. [We] wouldn’t have had October 7,” the former US president said according to Al Arabiya. However, Trump has been cancelling some of his lined-up interviews and events recently, saying that there have been "scheduling conflicts", and adding that he is really exhausted according to Yahoo News. Also read: Donald Trump to interview with WWE legend Undertaker on his podcast to win 'bro' votes: Reports Recently, he has withdrawn from his planned appearance on CBS' 60 Minutes as his campaign had a disagreement over live fact-checking. Trump's campaign spokesperson said that he has conducted nearly three times as many interviews as his Democratic rival candidate Kamala Harris, emphasising his high energy levels. Moreover, Trump has several rallies planned across the US, while Harris will be campaigning alongside former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michele Obama. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump to discuss wars on multiple fronts in high-stakes exclusive interview: When and where to watch?

A techie took to Reddit to speak about a job interview in Bengaluru in which she was asked to use the programming language CSS to draw the Indian flag and the Ashok Chakra.

In her post, the techie said that she was interviewed for a job at a "small company" that was located close to her house.

"I have a total of 10 years of experience in frontend technologies like angular, javascript, typescript, HTML, CSS etc. Generally, at this experience level, people ask more real-life scenario-based questions or coding skills to test logical thinking or some advanced concepts," wrote the user, while explaining her expectations from the interview.

The user said that she was disappointed by the interviewer's demand to use CSS for drawing the Indian flag after asking her "theoretical questions" on CSS.

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by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/sabki-bajaungi/">u/sabki-bajaungi</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/developersIndia/">developersIndia</a></blockquote>
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"I drew it anyway. I find this question completely absurd. Then she asked me to make Ashoka chakra in that. I made it. Then she asked me to draw spikes inside the Ashok chakra. There I lost it," she said.

The techie then asked the interviewer why she was being asked such questions to which she got the answer that her knowledge was being tested.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ey-under-fire-after-26-year-old-employee-dies-tragically-due-to-work-stress-759689">EY under fire after 26-year-old employee dies tragically due to 'work stress'</a>

"Now if you are a frontend developer, you will see such questions don't make any sense. In fact we used to get such questions during college practical exams. I get really irritated. And I quit my interview," the user wrote.

<h2>Here's how users reacted to her post</h2>

At the end of her post, the interviewee asked others if they felt the interviewers needed to ask relevant questions based on the experience of the candidate.

A lot of users agreed with the frustration of the techie while some thought the interviewer was just testing her.

"I think this is a good question for freshers. For someone with 10 years of experience, this would be totally unexpected and unnecessary," said one user.

"Maybe she was just testing when you would lose your temperament (sic)," commented another user.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A techie took to Reddit to speak about a job interview in Bengaluru in which she was asked to use the programming language CSS to draw the Indian flag and the Ashok Chakra.

A techie took to Reddit to speak about a job interview in Bengaluru in which she was asked to use the programming language CSS to draw the Indian flag and the Ashok Chakra. In her post, the techie said that she was interviewed for a job at a "small company" that was located close to her house. "I have a total of 10 years of experience in frontend technologies like angular, javascript, typescript, HTML, CSS etc. Generally, at this experience level, people ask more real-life scenario-based questions or coding skills to test logical thinking or some advanced concepts," wrote the user, while explaining her expectations from the interview. The user said that she was disappointed by the interviewer's demand to use CSS for drawing the Indian flag after asking her "theoretical questions" on CSS. Interviewer asked me to make Indian flag using CSS and i am 10 years experience in frontend. byu/sabki-bajaungi indevelopersIndia × "I drew it anyway. I find this question completely absurd. Then she asked me to make Ashoka chakra in that. I made it. Then she asked me to draw spikes inside the Ashok chakra. There I lost it," she said. The techie then asked the interviewer why she was being asked such questions to which she got the answer that her knowledge was being tested. Also Read: EY under fire after 26-year-old employee dies tragically due to 'work stress' "Now if you are a frontend developer, you will see such questions don't make any sense. In fact we used to get such questions during college practical exams. I get really irritated. And I quit my interview," the user wrote. Here's how users reacted to her post At the end of her post, the interviewee asked others if they felt the interviewers needed to ask relevant questions based on the experience of the candidate. A lot of users agreed with the frustration of the techie while some thought the interviewer was just testing her. "I think this is a good question for freshers. For someone with 10 years of experience, this would be totally unexpected and unnecessary," said one user. "Maybe she was just testing when you would lose your temperament (sic)," commented another user. (With inputs from agencies)

Interviewer asks techie to draw Indian flag, latter walks out of job interview

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby pulled out of an interview with former United Kingdom&nbsp;Prime Minister Boris Johnson after she was told she could not record the audio or make a transcript of the conversation.&nbsp;

The former prime minister had promised to “reveal what really happened during my time as [London] mayor, foreign secretary and PM” during the conversation next week.&nbsp;

Beth Rigby shared a post on X, saying "I was looking forward to interviewing Boris Johnson at Cheltenham but regrettably, I can’t go ahead with the event because I am not allowed [to] make an audio recording or transcript of the interview."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bbc-cancels-former-british-pm-boris-johnsons-interview-over-pre-sent-notes-764173">Also read:&nbsp;BBC cancels former British PM Boris Johnson's interview over pre-sent notes</a>

“As a journalist in conversation with a former PM at a public event, I can only proceed if we do it on the record. I’m sorry to have to pull out," she added.&nbsp;

This comes days after the BBC cancelled Johnson's interview after the presenter Laura Kuenssberg mistakenly sent him her briefing notes.

Kuenssberg said she had sent Johnson the briefing notes “in a message meant for my team”, adding that the error was "embarrassing and disappointing" and meant it was "not right for the interview to go ahead".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Former UK PM Boris Johnson Claims Netanyahu Bugged His Bathroom

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“It’s very frustrating, and there’s no point pretending it’s anything other than embarrassing and disappointing, as there are plenty of important questions to be asked. But red faces aside, honesty is the best policy. See you on Sunday," Kuenssberg added.&nbsp;

The former UK PM was expected to discuss Brexit, his government’s handling of the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, and the Partygate scandal.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson served as the UK prime minister from 2019 to 2022 and has a memoir, Unleashed, being published next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby pulled out of an interview with former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson after she was told she could not record the audio or make a transcript of the conversation.

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby pulled out of an interview with former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson after she was told she could not record the audio or make a transcript of the conversation. The former prime minister had promised to “reveal what really happened during my time as [London] mayor, foreign secretary and PM” during the conversation next week. Beth Rigby shared a post on X, saying "I was looking forward to interviewing Boris Johnson at Cheltenham but regrettably, I can’t go ahead with the event because I am not allowed [to] make an audio recording or transcript of the interview." Also read: BBC cancels former British PM Boris Johnson's interview over pre-sent notes “As a journalist in conversation with a former PM at a public event, I can only proceed if we do it on the record. I’m sorry to have to pull out," she added. This comes days after the BBC cancelled Johnson's interview after the presenter Laura Kuenssberg mistakenly sent him her briefing notes. Kuenssberg said she had sent Johnson the briefing notes “in a message meant for my team”, adding that the error was "embarrassing and disappointing" and meant it was "not right for the interview to go ahead". Watch | Former UK PM Boris Johnson Claims Netanyahu Bugged His Bathroom × “It’s very frustrating, and there’s no point pretending it’s anything other than embarrassing and disappointing, as there are plenty of important questions to be asked. But red faces aside, honesty is the best policy. See you on Sunday," Kuenssberg added. The former UK PM was expected to discuss Brexit, his government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Partygate scandal. Boris Johnson served as the UK prime minister from 2019 to 2022 and has a memoir, Unleashed, being published next week. (With inputs from agencies)

British broadcaster backs out of interview with former PM Boris Johnson over recording ban

Cyber attacks are rising as digital crime becomes a new geopolitical background. With the world suffering from the war consequences in real time, this digital warfront is equally devastating. WION’s business editor Rahul Karunakar spoke to José Manuel Barroso, former president of the European Commission and former prime minister of Portugal, on what the nations can do to mitigate risks around cyber attacks. Listen in to what he had to say…

‘Cyber Attacks Compliment Other Forms Of War:’ Ex PM Of Portugal On Growing Threat Of Cyber Attacks

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson's BBC interview has been cancelled after the presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally shared the briefing notes with him.&nbsp;

The British public service broadcaster was scheduled to conduct a prime-time interview at 7.30 pm on Thursday on BBC One. It was going to be Johnson’s first major interview since leaving office. &nbsp;

Presenter and former BBC political editor Kuenssberg said she sent Johnson the notes "in a message meant for my team”. She said that it was “embarrassing and disappointing”, adding that the error meant it was “not right for the interview to go ahead”.

Watch |&nbsp;The Brexit-ball champ to no 'kidding' around: Best moments on WION's Boris Cam

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“While prepping to interview Boris Johnson tomorrow, by mistake I sent our briefing notes to him in a message meant for my team. That obviously means it’s not right for the interview to go ahead," she said.&nbsp;

“It’s very frustrating, and there’s no point pretending it’s anything other than embarrassing and disappointing, as there are plenty of important questions to be asked. But red faces aside, honesty is the best policy. See you on Sunday," Kuenssberg added.&nbsp;

The former UK PM was expected to discuss Brexit, his government’s handling of the Covid pandemic, and the Partygate scandal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outdated-abandoned-labyrinthine-covid-inquiry-finds-how-uks-health-system-failed-people-during-pandemic-742124">Also read:&nbsp;'Outdated, abandoned, labyrinthine': Covid inquiry finds how UK's health system failed people during pandemic</a>

As calls for the BBC to use another journalist prompted after the incident, other broadcasters and podcasters offered to do the interview in Kuenssberg’s place. Those volunteering on X to conduct the interview included Sky’s former political editor Adam Boulton, Tony Blair’s former director of communications Alastair Campbell, and the Channel 4 News presenters Cathy Newman and Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

The director of the think tank British Future, Sunder Katwala, also urged the BBC to find a replacement to conduct the interview.&nbsp;

“Shouldn’t the BBC just get somebody else to do the interview on Friday or next week?” he posted on X.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson served as the UK prime minister from 2019 to 2022 and has a memoir, Unleashed, being published next week.

A BBC spokesperson reported that the inadvertent move made the interview “untenable”, adding that both the BBC and Johnson’s team had agreed to cancel it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson's BBC interview has been cancelled after the presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally shared the briefing notes with him.

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson's BBC interview has been cancelled after the presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally shared the briefing notes with him. The British public service broadcaster was scheduled to conduct a prime-time interview at 7.30 pm on Thursday on BBC One. It was going to be Johnson’s first major interview since leaving office. Presenter and former BBC political editor Kuenssberg said she sent Johnson the notes "in a message meant for my team”. She said that it was “embarrassing and disappointing”, adding that the error meant it was “not right for the interview to go ahead”. Watch | The Brexit-ball champ to no 'kidding' around: Best moments on WION's Boris Cam × “While prepping to interview Boris Johnson tomorrow, by mistake I sent our briefing notes to him in a message meant for my team. That obviously means it’s not right for the interview to go ahead," she said. “It’s very frustrating, and there’s no point pretending it’s anything other than embarrassing and disappointing, as there are plenty of important questions to be asked. But red faces aside, honesty is the best policy. See you on Sunday," Kuenssberg added. The former UK PM was expected to discuss Brexit, his government’s handling of the Covid pandemic, and the Partygate scandal. Also read: 'Outdated, abandoned, labyrinthine': Covid inquiry finds how UK's health system failed people during pandemic As calls for the BBC to use another journalist prompted after the incident, other broadcasters and podcasters offered to do the interview in Kuenssberg’s place. Those volunteering on X to conduct the interview included Sky’s former political editor Adam Boulton, Tony Blair’s former director of communications Alastair Campbell, and the Channel 4 News presenters Cathy Newman and Krishnan Guru-Murthy. The director of the think tank British Future, Sunder Katwala, also urged the BBC to find a replacement to conduct the interview. “Shouldn’t the BBC just get somebody else to do the interview on Friday or next week?” he posted on X. Boris Johnson served as the UK prime minister from 2019 to 2022 and has a memoir, Unleashed, being published next week. A BBC spokesperson reported that the inadvertent move made the interview “untenable”, adding that both the BBC and Johnson’s team had agreed to cancel it. (With inputs from agencies)

BBC cancels former British PM Boris Johnson's interview over pre-sent notes

Nawazuddin Siddiqui owns every character and makes it truly his own. Recently seen in the ZEE5 Global show Rautu Ka Raaz, Nawaz spoke to WION’s Zeba Khan about how he chooses his projects now, reveals he would have been a monk if not an actor and if 20-year-old Nawaz would be happy seeing where he has reached in life.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui loves drama in his characters and his life: Interview | WION Exclusive

Norwegian Chairwoman of the standing committee speaks to WION. Watch to know more.

Norwegian Chairwoman of the standing committee Ine Eriksen Søreide speaks to WION

As a Beverage Head for India at Passion F&amp;B, Rahul Kamath brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the vibrant cocktail culture sweeping across the country. Hailing from Mumbai, Rahul's journey in the hospitality world is a testament to his dedication to creating memorable experiences through innovative libations and exceptional service.

He started by honing his skills at world-renowned bars such as Paradiso in Barcelona, Le Club in Japan, and Lost and Found Drinkery in Cyprus, all of which expanded their presence to India, allowing Rahul to further refine his craft on home turf during his internships.

WION catches up with Rahul to know more about his experiences, curating cocktails for the best bars and the future of cocktails.

1. How did you curate the cocktail program at Carnival by Trèsind?

When you think of the word "Carnival," what comes to mind? For us, it’s fun, vibrant attire, dance, and music. These elements inspired us to create a cocktail menu that celebrates true stories and carnivals from around the world. Not only are the cocktails fun and inventive, but our masked bartenders—whom we call liquid chefs—also entertain guests with their colourful attire, echoing the vibrant elements of the Carnival logo.

2. Tell us more about the live Gin and Tonic experience at Carnival, particularly the high degree of personalisation in the drinks.

The idea came from observing how people enjoy being their own bartender, mixing drinks that suit their palate and taste. Our Gin &amp; Tonic experience allows guests to do just that, right at their table. They can choose from a selection of fresh fruits, herbs, tonic, and their preferred gin. We’ve even gone a step further by creating in-house flavoured tonics, like Yuzu, Rhubarb, and Coffee, all sugar-free—addressing one of the biggest concerns in cocktails today.

PS: Don’t forget to say hi to Schmuck at the trolley.

3. In an era where customers seek something new every day, how do you cater to that?

As a fresh bar, our liquid chefs are always prepared to cater to your needs with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. Whether it’s a Highball, spirit-forward, sour style, or tiki-style drink, we’re always ready and equipped to deliver.

4. How did your experience at renowned bars like Paradiso in Barcelona, Le Club in Japan, and Lost and Found Drinkery in Cyprus shape your understanding of cocktails?

My time at these renowned bars provided me with deep insights into the beverage world. The international market has access to a wide array of enzymes and liqueurs that are rare in India, giving them a first-mover advantage to cater to a diverse audience and create exceptional cocktails. This inspired us to craft our in-house liqueurs using local, fresh produce with little to no sugar.

5. What are three lesser-known trends in cocktails that insiders know?

One lesser-known trend that is slowly gaining popularity is minimalist drinks or High-Low Highballs. For example, Absinthe with Root Beer or Mezcal with Fanta—my personal favourite. Another trend is incorporating food into drinks; for instance, a Tiramisu Espresso Martini or "Not a Martini," which is a pizza-based drink using tequila fat-washed with cheese, clarified passata, and basil cordial. Lastly, using foam and air in cocktails, like our Java Jamboree, which features coconut and miso foam.

6. Are in-house drinks the future of cocktails?

Absolutely. In-house drinks offer the opportunity to personalise cocktails based on flavours, seasonal ingredients, and fermentation. While many believe Feni is the only local spirit available, India has a vast variety, such as Mahua, Dukshiri, and Toddy, that we can experiment with—these will play a significant role in the future of cocktails.

7. Many people avoid cocktails due to their high sugar content. How do you cater to those reducing sugar in their diets?

Sugar has increasingly become a concern, often referred to as a "poison" because, while it provides a dopamine rush, it also raises the risk of diabetes. Our in-house liqueurs address this issue with little to no sugar content, and some are made with raw jaggery, making them lower in calories.

As a Beverage Head for India at Passion F&B, Rahul Kamath brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the vibrant cocktail culture sweeping across the country.

As a Beverage Head for India at Passion F&B, Rahul Kamath brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the vibrant cocktail culture sweeping across the country. Hailing from Mumbai, Rahul's journey in the hospitality world is a testament to his dedication to creating memorable experiences through innovative libations and exceptional service. He started by honing his skills at world-renowned bars such as Paradiso in Barcelona, Le Club in Japan, and Lost and Found Drinkery in Cyprus, all of which expanded their presence to India, allowing Rahul to further refine his craft on home turf during his internships. WION catches up with Rahul to know more about his experiences, curating cocktails for the best bars and the future of cocktails. 1. How did you curate the cocktail program at Carnival by Trèsind? When you think of the word "Carnival," what comes to mind? For us, it’s fun, vibrant attire, dance, and music. These elements inspired us to create a cocktail menu that celebrates true stories and carnivals from around the world. Not only are the cocktails fun and inventive, but our masked bartenders—whom we call liquid chefs—also entertain guests with their colourful attire, echoing the vibrant elements of the Carnival logo. 2. Tell us more about the live Gin and Tonic experience at Carnival, particularly the high degree of personalisation in the drinks. The idea came from observing how people enjoy being their own bartender, mixing drinks that suit their palate and taste. Our Gin & Tonic experience allows guests to do just that, right at their table. They can choose from a selection of fresh fruits, herbs, tonic, and their preferred gin. We’ve even gone a step further by creating in-house flavoured tonics, like Yuzu, Rhubarb, and Coffee, all sugar-free—addressing one of the biggest concerns in cocktails today. PS: Don’t forget to say hi to Schmuck at the trolley. 3. In an era where customers seek something new every day, how do you cater to that? As a fresh bar, our liquid chefs are always prepared to cater to your needs with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. Whether it’s a Highball, spirit-forward, sour style, or tiki-style drink, we’re always ready and equipped to deliver. 4. How did your experience at renowned bars like Paradiso in Barcelona, Le Club in Japan, and Lost and Found Drinkery in Cyprus shape your understanding of cocktails? My time at these renowned bars provided me with deep insights into the beverage world. The international market has access to a wide array of enzymes and liqueurs that are rare in India, giving them a first-mover advantage to cater to a diverse audience and create exceptional cocktails. This inspired us to craft our in-house liqueurs using local, fresh produce with little to no sugar. 5. What are three lesser-known trends in cocktails that insiders know? One lesser-known trend that is slowly gaining popularity is minimalist drinks or High-Low Highballs. For example, Absinthe with Root Beer or Mezcal with Fanta—my personal favourite. Another trend is incorporating food into drinks; for instance, a Tiramisu Espresso Martini or "Not a Martini," which is a pizza-based drink using tequila fat-washed with cheese, clarified passata, and basil cordial. Lastly, using foam and air in cocktails, like our Java Jamboree, which features coconut and miso foam. 6. Are in-house drinks the future of cocktails? Absolutely. In-house drinks offer the opportunity to personalise cocktails based on flavours, seasonal ingredients, and fermentation. While many believe Feni is the only local spirit available, India has a vast variety, such as Mahua, Dukshiri, and Toddy, that we can experiment with—these will play a significant role in the future of cocktails. 7. Many people avoid cocktails due to their high sugar content. How do you cater to those reducing sugar in their diets? Sugar has increasingly become a concern, often referred to as a "poison" because, while it provides a dopamine rush, it also raises the risk of diabetes. Our in-house liqueurs address this issue with little to no sugar content, and some are made with raw jaggery, making them lower in calories.

Interview | Meet Rahul Kamath, India's youngest beverage manager

Dabbing between making new music, touring, taking care of her two kids as a single mom, musician Anoushka Shankar reflects on what’s in store for her with a planned return to India closer to December. The British-American musician of Indian descent spoke to WION’s Zeba Khan about what it feels to have lived her whole life on stage, whether her kids love music as much as she does and much more.

Anoushka Shankar on balancing music & kids and her love for India | WION Exclusive

People across the world were waiting with bated breath for Trump's interview with Musk. As soon as the interview was about to begin, users were confronted with the message. “This Space is not available''.

Musk's 'X' suffers tech failure at the start of Donal Trump interview

US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has come under the cosh yet again after last month's debate debacle. Reports have claimed that Biden's team provided a list of questions in advance to the&nbsp;radio host&nbsp;who interviewed the president as he attempted to undo the damage to his presidential nomination.&nbsp;

Andrea Lawful-Sanders, the host of The Source on WURD radio channel, told CNN that Biden officials provided her with a list of&nbsp;eight questions ahead of the interview.

“The questions were sent to me for approval; I approved of them," said&nbsp;Andrea.&nbsp;

“I got several questions, eight of them, and the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved,” she added.

A day after the news broke,&nbsp;Andrea reportedly resigned from her position at the Philadelphia-based radio station saying she violated the journalistic standards.&nbsp;

“The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners,” said Sara Lomax, president and CEO of WURD.

“As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.”

Apart from Andrea,&nbsp;Earl Ingram, the host of The Earl Ingram Show in Milwaukee confirmed that he also received the questions that were posed to Biden during the interview.&nbsp;

After receiving flak for feeding the questions, the Biden campaign said it would no longer suggest questions to the interviewers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer. These questions were relevant to the news of the day – the president was asked about this debate performance as well as what he’d delivered for black Americans,” spokesperson Lauren Hitt said in a statement.

Also watch |&nbsp;Biden vs Trump US Presidential Debate: Biden-Trump fiercely clash over Russia-Ukraine

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-vs-trump-us-presidential-debate-biden-trump-fiercely-clash-over-russia-ukraine-735948/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Biden's campaign damaged by the debate</h2>

The series of interviews was staged after Biden appeared weak and frail during the debate against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Questions have been raised on Biden's mental and physical capability to stay at the job for a long time. However, it all unravelled for Biden who rambled, mumbled, stuttered and appeared to zone out during several segments of the presidential debate.&nbsp;

Since the debate, worrying Democrats have cast aspersions over Biden's ability to go toe-to-toe with Trump.&nbsp;Angie Craig, a sitting House Democrat from Minnesota on Saturday (Jul 6) became the fifth leader from the party to urge Biden to step aside in favour of a younger candidate.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-first-interview-after-disastrous-debate-fails-to-ease-democrats-panic-amid-calls-for-withdrawal-738519">Also read |&nbsp;Biden's first interview after disastrous debate fails to ease Democrats' panic amid calls for withdrawal</a>

The usually favourable liberal media outlets have also furnished numerous op-eds, suggesting Biden to call it quits and pass the baton to another candidate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump has resorted to sharing videos of Biden looking lost during his official engagements as a way to further increase his lead in the race. On Saturday, he took to his Truth Social handle and in a sarcastic way, urged Biden&nbsp;to 'ignore' the critics and march on in the presidential race.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has come under the cosh yet again after last month's debate debacle. Reports have claimed that Biden's team provided a list of questions in advance to the radio host who interviewed the president as he attempted to undo the damage to his presidential nomination.

US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has come under the cosh yet again after last month's debate debacle. Reports have claimed that Biden's team provided a list of questions in advance to the radio host who interviewed the president as he attempted to undo the damage to his presidential nomination. Andrea Lawful-Sanders, the host of The Source on WURD radio channel, told CNN that Biden officials provided her with a list of eight questions ahead of the interview. “The questions were sent to me for approval; I approved of them," said Andrea. “I got several questions, eight of them, and the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved,” she added. A day after the news broke, Andrea reportedly resigned from her position at the Philadelphia-based radio station saying she violated the journalistic standards. “The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners,” said Sara Lomax, president and CEO of WURD. “As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.” Apart from Andrea, Earl Ingram, the host of The Earl Ingram Show in Milwaukee confirmed that he also received the questions that were posed to Biden during the interview. After receiving flak for feeding the questions, the Biden campaign said it would no longer suggest questions to the interviewers. “It’s not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer. These questions were relevant to the news of the day – the president was asked about this debate performance as well as what he’d delivered for black Americans,” spokesperson Lauren Hitt said in a statement. Also watch | Biden vs Trump US Presidential Debate: Biden-Trump fiercely clash over Russia-Ukraine Biden's campaign damaged by the debate The series of interviews was staged after Biden appeared weak and frail during the debate against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Questions have been raised on Biden's mental and physical capability to stay at the job for a long time. However, it all unravelled for Biden who rambled, mumbled, stuttered and appeared to zone out during several segments of the presidential debate. Since the debate, worrying Democrats have cast aspersions over Biden's ability to go toe-to-toe with Trump. Angie Craig, a sitting House Democrat from Minnesota on Saturday (Jul 6) became the fifth leader from the party to urge Biden to step aside in favour of a younger candidate. Also read | Biden's first interview after disastrous debate fails to ease Democrats' panic amid calls for withdrawal The usually favourable liberal media outlets have also furnished numerous op-eds, suggesting Biden to call it quits and pass the baton to another candidate. Meanwhile, Trump has resorted to sharing videos of Biden looking lost during his official engagements as a way to further increase his lead in the race. On Saturday, he took to his Truth Social handle and in a sarcastic way, urged Biden to 'ignore' the critics and march on in the presidential race. (With inputs from agencies)

Radio host who was provided questions in advance by Biden's team, fired by Philadelphia station

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