One of the major upheavals in South Asia this year was the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rally-to-mark-one-year-since-arrest-of-myanmar-reuters-journalists-183375"> jailing of two Reuters journalists</a>, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. The journalists were detained in Myanmar since December 12, 2017. At the time of their arrests, they had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in a village in Rakhine state. The reporters were sentenced to seven years in jail under the Official Secrets Act in September 2018.

As per reports, the journalists were arrested in Yangon, Myanmar after being invited to meet the police at a restaurant. The reporters were held incommunicado at a secret interrogation camp for the next two weeks.

The reporters, who pleaded not guilty, said they were handed papers by police shortly before they were detained, and a police witness testified that they had been set up.&nbsp;

The pre-trial hearings in the case began on January 10, 2018. The same day, the military said that its soldiers murdered 10 captured Muslims, whose bodies were previously discovered by security forces in a mass grave in Rakhine, during insurgent attacks.

The next major development came in February when news agency Reuters published the investigation that the two reporters had been working on. The publication described Myanmar’s security forces and local Rakhine Buddhists’ involvement in the killing of the 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys buried in the mass grave at Inn Din.

The government said it would take action against the members of its security forces involved in the killings, ruling out any relation to the Reuters report. 
In March, leading human rights lawyer Amal Clooney joined the legal team representing the two journalists. She stated that the two reporters are being wrongly prosecuted for reporting news.

“Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are being prosecuted simply because they reported the news,” Clooney said in a statement.

On July 9, the reporters were charged for breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act. Both journalists pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, telling Yangon district judge Ye Lwin they “followed journalistic ethics,” news agency Reuters reported.

In less than a fortnight, on July 16, one of the reporters gave the first detailed of what exactly happened the night when both the reporters were arrested. Wa Lone stated that Police Lance Corporal Naing Lin had called him at least twice on December 12, demanding a meeting at which the officer abruptly handed both reporters some papers. Lone added that they were arrested by plainclothes officers almost immediately after Naing Lin gave him the papers, which he did not have time to look at.

Lone also told that they were deprived of sleep for around three days, adding that the interrogation focused on their reporting of the Inn Din killings, rather than on the documents they are accused of obtaining.

The case has raised questions among a number of political leaders in the United States and Europe, human rights advocates and the United Nations about Myanmar’s progress towards democracy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August called for the immediate release of two Reuters reporters.

In a report issued on August 27, UN investigators said Myanmar’s military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with “genocidal intent” and for the first time explicitly called for Myanmar officials to face genocide charges over their campaign.

The military in Myanmar denied past accusations that it had committed genocide against the Rohingya and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism. 
Early in September, a Myanmar judge found the reporters guilty and sentenced them to seven years in jail.

The court determined that “confidential documents” found on the two would have been useful “to enemies of the state and terrorist organisations”. Documents in their possession and on their phones were “not public information.”

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said the verdict “sends a message to all journalists in Myanmar that they cannot operate fearlessly, but must rather make a choice to either self-censor or risk prosecution.”

Press freedom advocates, the United Nations, the European Union and countries including the United States, Canada and Australia had called for the journalists’ acquittal.

On December 12, hundreds of activists and journalists marked the anniversary of the arrest of the two journalists and called for their release at a rally in the country’s largest city Yangon. Students, journalists and writers sporting t-shirts that read “Journalism is not a crime” and “Free Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo” lit candles and held a minute’s silence for the two reporters, news agency Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, lawyers for the two Reuters reporters have lodged an appeal against their conviction and sentence. An appeal hearing is scheduled for December 24.

One of the major upheavals in South Asia this year was the jailing of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. The journalists were detained in Myanmar since December 12, 2017.

One of the major upheavals in South Asia this year was the jailing of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. The journalists were detained in Myanmar since December 12, 2017. At the time of their arrests, they had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in a village in Rakhine state. The reporters were sentenced to seven years in jail under the Official Secrets Act in September 2018. As per reports, the journalists were arrested in Yangon, Myanmar after being invited to meet the police at a restaurant. The reporters were held incommunicado at a secret interrogation camp for the next two weeks. The reporters, who pleaded not guilty, said they were handed papers by police shortly before they were detained, and a police witness testified that they had been set up. The pre-trial hearings in the case began on January 10, 2018. The same day, the military said that its soldiers murdered 10 captured Muslims, whose bodies were previously discovered by security forces in a mass grave in Rakhine, during insurgent attacks. The next major development came in February when news agency Reuters published the investigation that the two reporters had been working on. The publication described Myanmar’s security forces and local Rakhine Buddhists’ involvement in the killing of the 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys buried in the mass grave at Inn Din. The government said it would take action against the members of its security forces involved in the killings, ruling out any relation to the Reuters report. In March, leading human rights lawyer Amal Clooney joined the legal team representing the two journalists. She stated that the two reporters are being wrongly prosecuted for reporting news. “Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are being prosecuted simply because they reported the news,” Clooney said in a statement. On July 9, the reporters were charged for breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act. Both journalists pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, telling Yangon district judge Ye Lwin they “followed journalistic ethics,” news agency Reuters reported. In less than a fortnight, on July 16, one of the reporters gave the first detailed of what exactly happened the night when both the reporters were arrested. Wa Lone stated that Police Lance Corporal Naing Lin had called him at least twice on December 12, demanding a meeting at which the officer abruptly handed both reporters some papers. Lone added that they were arrested by plainclothes officers almost immediately after Naing Lin gave him the papers, which he did not have time to look at. Lone also told that they were deprived of sleep for around three days, adding that the interrogation focused on their reporting of the Inn Din killings, rather than on the documents they are accused of obtaining. The case has raised questions among a number of political leaders in the United States and Europe, human rights advocates and the United Nations about Myanmar’s progress towards democracy. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August called for the immediate release of two Reuters reporters. In a report issued on August 27, UN investigators said Myanmar’s military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with “genocidal intent” and for the first time explicitly called for Myanmar officials to face genocide charges over their campaign. The military in Myanmar denied past accusations that it had committed genocide against the Rohingya and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism. Early in September, a Myanmar judge found the reporters guilty and sentenced them to seven years in jail. The court determined that “confidential documents” found on the two would have been useful “to enemies of the state and terrorist organisations”. Documents in their possession and on their phones were “not public information.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said the verdict “sends a message to all journalists in Myanmar that they cannot operate fearlessly, but must rather make a choice to either self-censor or risk prosecution.” Press freedom advocates, the United Nations, the European Union and countries including the United States, Canada and Australia had called for the journalists’ acquittal. On December 12, hundreds of activists and journalists marked the anniversary of the arrest of the two journalists and called for their release at a rally in the country’s largest city Yangon. Students, journalists and writers sporting t-shirts that read “Journalism is not a crime” and “Free Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo” lit candles and held a minute’s silence for the two reporters, news agency Reuters reported. Meanwhile, lawyers for the two Reuters reporters have lodged an appeal against their conviction and sentence. An appeal hearing is scheduled for December 24.

Reuters reporters imprisonment: When Myanmar’s progress towards democracy was put to question

Google has released its annual year search list for 2018 listing what and who remained the hot topic of the year. The list includes FIFA World Cup, natural disasters, a royal wedding and many more.

Here are the top-trending Google searches of 2018:

1. FIFA World Cup

The 21st edition of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/top-18-moments-of-fifa-world-cup-2018-152369">FIFA World Cup</a>, the biggest sporting event on earth was played from June 14 to July 15 in multiple cities of Russia. It was keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world. France won the World Cup and clinched the most coveted - the hand and ball - trophy after defeating Croatia. FIFA tops the google search list due to its popularity and crazy fan following.

2. Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence made <a href="http://wionews.com/world/hurricane-florence-makes-landfall-in-wrightsville-beach-in-north-carolina-165660">landfall in Wrightsville beach</a> in North Carolina on September 14. Heavy rain and wind lashed several areas in Carolinas. Around 1,88,000 people were without power during that period.

3. Royal wedding&nbsp;

Prince Harry and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-royal-couple-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-attend-their-first-official-event-after-wedding--139077">Meghan Markle got married</a> in front of six hundred people at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. It was likely the most talked-about wedding of the year. In October, Kenningston palace confirmed the pregnancy of Meghan Markle and due to give birth in spring 2019.

4. US Midterm election results

Americans cast their votes in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-midterm-elections-what-do-the-results-mean-for-the-countrys-uncertain-future-176138">midterm election on November 6</a>. For the first time in eight years, Democrats took over control from the Republicans to hold House majority. The results were a bitter outcome for Trump after a divisive campaign marked by fierce clashes over race, immigration and other cultural issues became a referendum on his leadership.

5. Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/monstrous-hurricane-michael-tears-into-florida-kills-one-170766">most powerful storm</a> to hit the state's northern area in more than a century. An estimated 375,000 people in more than 20 counties were ordered or advised to evacuate. Over 17 people lost their lives.

6. Stephen Hawking

British scientist Professor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/family-friends-bid-farewell-to-stephen-hawking-127431">Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76 in March</a>. A genius who dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset of a slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease is known to damage motor system in the body and is alternatively known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig's disease.

7. Kate Spade

Kate Spade, who with her husband built a fashion empire on the popularity of her colorful handbags, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-fashion-designer-kate-spade-found-dead-committed-suicide--142464">was found dead in her New York City apartment</a> in June, an apparent suicide. She was 55. Andy Spade, husband of Kate said she suffered from depression for years and that the couple had been living separately for 10 months.

8. Stan Lee

Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel comics <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/marvel-comic-book-legend-stan-lees-death-certificate-reveals-reason-for-death-179962">passed away in Los Angeles</a> at the age of 95. The world mourned his death and fan paid tributes on Stan Lee's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lee will be seen in upcoming movies ''Avengers 4'', ''Captain Marvel'' and ''Ralph breaks the Internet'' for the last time.

9. Black Panther

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/african-american-film-critics-association-names-black-panther-as-best-film-of-2018-183444">Black Panther</a>, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Ryan Coogler made its way to Google top search list. The movie earned over $400 million. 
The movie made its debut this year in Marvel collections and was loved by many and thus making it a huge success.

10. Avicii

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swedish-dj-avicii-found-dead-in-a-hotel-room-in-muscat-oman-131746">passed away at the age of 28</a>, on April 20. The artist, known for songs such as 'Wake Me Up', 'Lonely Together', and 'Levels' had retired from tours in 2016 due to health issues. His family said that famed DJ Avicii could not go any longer and wanted to found peace. 
&nbsp;

Google has released its annual year search list for 2018 listing what and who remained the hot topic of the year. The list includes FIFA World Cup, natural disasters, a royal wedding and many more.

Google has released its annual year search list for 2018 listing what and who remained the hot topic of the year. The list includes FIFA World Cup, natural disasters, a royal wedding and many more. Here are the top-trending Google searches of 2018: 1. FIFA World Cup The 21st edition of FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event on earth was played from June 14 to July 15 in multiple cities of Russia. It was keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world. France won the World Cup and clinched the most coveted - the hand and ball - trophy after defeating Croatia. FIFA tops the google search list due to its popularity and crazy fan following. 2. Hurricane Florence Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wrightsville beach in North Carolina on September 14. Heavy rain and wind lashed several areas in Carolinas. Around 1,88,000 people were without power during that period. 3. Royal wedding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in front of six hundred people at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. It was likely the most talked-about wedding of the year. In October, Kenningston palace confirmed the pregnancy of Meghan Markle and due to give birth in spring 2019. 4. US Midterm election results Americans cast their votes in midterm election on November 6. For the first time in eight years, Democrats took over control from the Republicans to hold House majority. The results were a bitter outcome for Trump after a divisive campaign marked by fierce clashes over race, immigration and other cultural issues became a referendum on his leadership. 5. Hurricane Michael Hurricane Michael was the most powerful storm to hit the state's northern area in more than a century. An estimated 375,000 people in more than 20 counties were ordered or advised to evacuate. Over 17 people lost their lives. 6. Stephen Hawking British scientist Professor Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76 in March. A genius who dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset of a slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease is known to damage motor system in the body and is alternatively known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig's disease. 7. Kate Spade Kate Spade, who with her husband built a fashion empire on the popularity of her colorful handbags, was found dead in her New York City apartment in June, an apparent suicide. She was 55. Andy Spade, husband of Kate said she suffered from depression for years and that the couple had been living separately for 10 months. 8. Stan Lee Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel comics passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 95. The world mourned his death and fan paid tributes on Stan Lee's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lee will be seen in upcoming movies ''Avengers 4'', ''Captain Marvel'' and ''Ralph breaks the Internet'' for the last time. 9. Black Panther Black Panther, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Ryan Coogler made its way to Google top search list. The movie earned over $400 million. The movie made its debut this year in Marvel collections and was loved by many and thus making it a huge success. 10. Avicii Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, passed away at the age of 28, on April 20. The artist, known for songs such as 'Wake Me Up', 'Lonely Together', and 'Levels' had retired from tours in 2016 due to health issues. His family said that famed DJ Avicii could not go any longer and wanted to found peace.

Google's most popular search list for 2018: FIFA World Cup, Hurricane Michael and more

Bollywood and the Indian audience off late have explored a new medium of entertainment that has an instant reach across the globe. The digital platform is the new medium of entertainment that is quick and available at the click of a button for any smartphone user. More and more content is being written and developed to hook the audience on digital platforms. in 2018, several web series and video on demand shows, saw many top-billed actors exploring the medium to reach out the maximum people not just in India but also across the world.

The year 2018 saw several interesting video on demand shows on various OTT platforms that were dominated by many mainstream actors with their superlative performances. Let's have a look into the list of the actors who dominated the digital world with their performances par excellence.

The crime thriller drama ‘<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/people-need-to-look-beyond-nudity-in-that-lovemaking-scene-in-sacred-games-rajshri-deshpande-153867">Sacred Games</a>’ on Netflix turned out to be the game changer on the digital platform. The series based on the novel by the same name by Vikram Chandra is the first original series on Netflix in India. The series saw a gamut of Bollywood actors playing characters which soon became popular. Following the success of ‘Sacred Games’, many actors, as well as makers, are now slowly venturing into the digital space.&nbsp;

 
As the year comes to a close, here’s a look back the Bollywood actors who created an impact on digital space.&nbsp;

Nawazuddin Siddiqui in ‘Sacred Games’

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/28j8h0RRov4" width="560"></iframe>

There is no doubt that in the coming years, ‘Sacred Games’ will be termed as a game changer for it not only paved a way for other Bollywood actors to explore digital medium but also highlighted the fact that good content is lapped up by the audience irrespective of the medium. While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nawazuddin-was-more-shy-about-filming-the-love-making-scenes-says-sacred-games-star-kubbra-sait-150942">almost all characters </a>created an impact, it was Nawaz's character ‘Ganesh Gaitonde’ took away the maximum applause for his performance. Ganesh Gaitonde memes, his dialogues suddenly went viral on the internet and made him instantly famous ruling the digital world to date. Nawazuddin is now all set with the season 2 of Sacred Games, once again geared up taking the digital world in the coming year.

Pankaj Tripathi in ‘Mirzapur’&nbsp;

The second show that rocked the digital world was ‘Mirzapur’. The power packed performances by all the characters created a huge stir with most actors playing their parts to perfection. Actors such as Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Rasika Dugal, Shriya Pilgaonkar amongst many others gave their best performances. Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiyya was at his best. As a cool and calm dreaded gangster, Pankaj gave one of his best performances.&nbsp;

Ali Fazal in ‘Mirzapur’&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZNeGF-PvRHY" width="560"></iframe>

The suave actor Ali Fazal was the surprise element of ‘ Mirzapur’. &nbsp;Ali played the dreaded gangster Guddu Pandit, who is mean and loves killing people at the drop of a hat. To play his part Ali gained more than 10 kgs to look like a gigantic beast. Fazal’s character had shades of grey yet, his performance was loved by all. &nbsp;

R Madhavan in ‘Breathe’&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OstwwYcz8nI" width="560"></iframe>

The brilliant actor R Madhavan's first outing in digital space with web-series ‘Breathe’ on Amazon Prime left the audience spellbound and intrigued. The show also stars Amit Sadh as one of the protagonists but its Maddy who walks away with the maximum plaudits. Madhavan plays the role of a father whose son needs an urgent lung transfer or his son will die. The story weaves around Madhavan who in order to get the surgery done on time, goes on a murdering spree. Madhavan’s act as the anguished dad trying to save his child struck a chord with many.

Radhika Apte in ‘Ghoul’, ‘Sacred Games’

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/njXrARC9fxw" width="560"></iframe>

The list would not be complete unless there is a mention of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-netflix-india-posts-hilarious-video-of-radhika-apte-shuts-trolls-down-162059">queen of digital series-</a> &nbsp;Radhika Apte. The year 2018 saw some of the best works of Radhika both on the silver screen and on the digital world. The horror series ‘Ghoul’ on Netflix starring Radhika Apte as the protagonist along with Manav Kaul is one of the best horror series to have happened to the Indian audience in a long time. It ticks all the boxes for a great horror thriller and had &nbsp;Radhika delivering one of her strongest performances. Apte also earned praises for her performance as the no-nonsense cop in ‘Sacred Games’. The story may have been about two men, but Radhika in her limited screen time managed to create an impact.&nbsp;

Mithila Palkar in ‘Little Things Season 2’

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LhpA-_8cWv8" width="560"></iframe>

The sweet charmer Mithila Palkar has been there on the internet for quite a sometime and has a strong fan following on the digital space. All her digital shows have a good number of views making her one of the youngest YouTube sensations in India. Her web shows ‘Little Things season 2’ that released this year and was picked up global giant Netflix garnered a huge number of views. Earlier this show was released by Dice Media on YouTube but gauging the popularity of the show it was acquired by global OTT platform Netflix. ‘Little Things season 2’ took the story forward from its first season where an urban couple struggles to stay together and keep the spark alive as career, profession, and priorities take precedence.

Gulshan Devaiah in ‘Smoke’&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cmMEWd-8OSA" width="560"></iframe>

Thriller, gang war, mysteries were the flavour of the digital world this year. Many web shows explored these categories. One such series ‘Smoke’ was released on video on demand platform Eros Now. It had some of the brilliant actors like Kalki Koechlin, Gulshan Devaiah, Jim Sarbh, Amit Sial, Mandira Bedi and Tom Alter and a plot that got the audience hooked. But it was Gulshan’s character as JJ a hitman from Bihar that stood out of all the characters in the series. As a gruesome killer, he also added a dash of humour to his character, bringing some much-needed happiness to the show.

Saif Ali Khan in ‘Sacred Games’

Would the list be complete without mentioning Sartaj Singh of ‘<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sacred-games-review-saif-ali-khan-nawazuddin-siddiquis-new-series-is-an-edgy-thriller-thats-worth-your-time-149242">Sacred Games</a>’? Saif Ali Khan is perhaps the only Bollywood actor who has time and again re-invented. In his digital debut, Khan played a dissuaded Mumbai cop who chances upon a big scam that can lead to the destruction of epic proportions. While Nawaz’s character got more noticed due to the character he played, Saif’s restrained performance as the cop who is trying to make peace with his troubled past was also appreciated by the audience.&nbsp;

Bollywood and the Indian audience off late have explored a new medium of entertainment that has an instant reach across the globe. The digital platform is the new medium of entertainment that is quick and available at the click of a button for any smartphone user.

Bollywood and the Indian audience off late have explored a new medium of entertainment that has an instant reach across the globe. The digital platform is the new medium of entertainment that is quick and available at the click of a button for any smartphone user. More and more content is being written and developed to hook the audience on digital platforms. in 2018, several web series and video on demand shows, saw many top-billed actors exploring the medium to reach out the maximum people not just in India but also across the world. The year 2018 saw several interesting video on demand shows on various OTT platforms that were dominated by many mainstream actors with their superlative performances. Let's have a look into the list of the actors who dominated the digital world with their performances par excellence. The crime thriller drama ‘Sacred Games’ on Netflix turned out to be the game changer on the digital platform. The series based on the novel by the same name by Vikram Chandra is the first original series on Netflix in India. The series saw a gamut of Bollywood actors playing characters which soon became popular. Following the success of ‘Sacred Games’, many actors, as well as makers, are now slowly venturing into the digital space. As the year comes to a close, here’s a look back the Bollywood actors who created an impact on digital space. Nawazuddin Siddiqui in ‘Sacred Games’ There is no doubt that in the coming years, ‘Sacred Games’ will be termed as a game changer for it not only paved a way for other Bollywood actors to explore digital medium but also highlighted the fact that good content is lapped up by the audience irrespective of the medium. While almost all characters created an impact, it was Nawaz's character ‘Ganesh Gaitonde’ took away the maximum applause for his performance. Ganesh Gaitonde memes, his dialogues suddenly went viral on the internet and made him instantly famous ruling the digital world to date. Nawazuddin is now all set with the season 2 of Sacred Games, once again geared up taking the digital world in the coming year. Pankaj Tripathi in ‘Mirzapur’ The second show that rocked the digital world was ‘Mirzapur’. The power packed performances by all the characters created a huge stir with most actors playing their parts to perfection. Actors such as Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Rasika Dugal, Shriya Pilgaonkar amongst many others gave their best performances. Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiyya was at his best. As a cool and calm dreaded gangster, Pankaj gave one of his best performances. Ali Fazal in ‘Mirzapur’ The suave actor Ali Fazal was the surprise element of ‘ Mirzapur’. Ali played the dreaded gangster Guddu Pandit, who is mean and loves killing people at the drop of a hat. To play his part Ali gained more than 10 kgs to look like a gigantic beast. Fazal’s character had shades of grey yet, his performance was loved by all. R Madhavan in ‘Breathe’ The brilliant actor R Madhavan's first outing in digital space with web-series ‘Breathe’ on Amazon Prime left the audience spellbound and intrigued. The show also stars Amit Sadh as one of the protagonists but its Maddy who walks away with the maximum plaudits. Madhavan plays the role of a father whose son needs an urgent lung transfer or his son will die. The story weaves around Madhavan who in order to get the surgery done on time, goes on a murdering spree. Madhavan’s act as the anguished dad trying to save his child struck a chord with many. Radhika Apte in ‘Ghoul’, ‘Sacred Games’ The list would not be complete unless there is a mention of the queen of digital series- Radhika Apte. The year 2018 saw some of the best works of Radhika both on the silver screen and on the digital world. The horror series ‘Ghoul’ on Netflix starring Radhika Apte as the protagonist along with Manav Kaul is one of the best horror series to have happened to the Indian audience in a long time. It ticks all the boxes for a great horror thriller and had Radhika delivering one of her strongest performances. Apte also earned praises for her performance as the no-nonsense cop in ‘Sacred Games’. The story may have been about two men, but Radhika in her limited screen time managed to create an impact. Mithila Palkar in ‘Little Things Season 2’ The sweet charmer Mithila Palkar has been there on the internet for quite a sometime and has a strong fan following on the digital space. All her digital shows have a good number of views making her one of the youngest YouTube sensations in India. Her web shows ‘Little Things season 2’ that released this year and was picked up global giant Netflix garnered a huge number of views. Earlier this show was released by Dice Media on YouTube but gauging the popularity of the show it was acquired by global OTT platform Netflix. ‘Little Things season 2’ took the story forward from its first season where an urban couple struggles to stay together and keep the spark alive as career, profession, and priorities take precedence. Gulshan Devaiah in ‘Smoke’ Thriller, gang war, mysteries were the flavour of the digital world this year. Many web shows explored these categories. One such series ‘Smoke’ was released on video on demand platform Eros Now. It had some of the brilliant actors like Kalki Koechlin, Gulshan Devaiah, Jim Sarbh, Amit Sial, Mandira Bedi and Tom Alter and a plot that got the audience hooked. But it was Gulshan’s character as JJ a hitman from Bihar that stood out of all the characters in the series. As a gruesome killer, he also added a dash of humour to his character, bringing some much-needed happiness to the show. Saif Ali Khan in ‘Sacred Games’ Would the list be complete without mentioning Sartaj Singh of ‘Sacred Games’? Saif Ali Khan is perhaps the only Bollywood actor who has time and again re-invented. In his digital debut, Khan played a dissuaded Mumbai cop who chances upon a big scam that can lead to the destruction of epic proportions. While Nawaz’s character got more noticed due to the character he played, Saif’s restrained performance as the cop who is trying to make peace with his troubled past was also appreciated by the audience.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Radhika Apte: Bollywood actors who created an impact on the digital space in 2018

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Reuters reporters imprisonment: When Myanmar’s progress towards democracy was put to question

Google's most popular search list for 2018: FIFA World Cup, Hurricane Michael and more

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Radhika Apte: Bollywood actors who created an impact on the digital space in 2018