Mumbai, Jul 11: Acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has made his much-awaited OTT debut with Pritam & Pedro, a six-episode Hindi crime-comedy thriller that premiered on JioHotstar on July 3. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Goa, the series follows veteran police officer Pritam (Arshad Warsi), who relies on instinct and experience, and Pedro (Vir Hirani), a young cyber expert who believes in technology and data-driven investigation. Despite their contrasting personalities, the duo joins forces to crack a high-profile kidnapping case and unravel a web of cybercrimes. Created and produced by Rajkumar Hirani, the series blends humour, suspense and emotion while exploring the growing challenge of cybercrime in a relatable and engaging manner. Staying true to Hirani's signature storytelling style, Pritam & Pedro combines entertaining moments with a meaningful social message on digital awareness. The series features an impressive ensemble cast including Arshad Warsi, Vir Hirani, Vikrant Massey, Mona Singh, Boman Irani, Satyadeep Mishra and Shruti Marathe. It also marks Vir Hirani's debut as a lead actor. Since its release, Pritam & Pedro has been appreciated by audiences for its refreshing buddy-cop dynamic, engaging screenplay and balanced mix of comedy and thriller elements. Arshad Warsi's performance and his on-screen chemistry with Vir Hirani have received widespread praise, while viewers have also lauded the show's contemporary take on cybercrime investigations. With its entertaining narrative, memorable performances and family-friendly appeal, Pritam & Pedro has emerged as one of the notable Hindi web series of the year, reinforcing Rajkumar Hirani's successful transition from the big screen to the OTT platform.

Srinagar, Jul 7: Acclaimed Kashmiri composer, singer and music producer Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone has returned with a new independent musical offering, Baarish, a romantic ballad that blends nostalgia, emotion and cinematic storytelling while reaffirming his position as one of Kashmir's most prominent contemporary musical voices. Released under the ARMS Record Label, Baarish presents a poignant story of love, separation and hope.  Set against the backdrop of rain, the song follows two strangers whose chance meeting beneath a shared umbrella turns into a cherished memory that continues to linger long after fate pulls them apart. The narrative explores themes of longing, remembrance and destiny through the lives of its central characters. While one woman represents unwavering faith in love's eventual reunion, another silently embodies the loneliness of unfulfilled affection, lending emotional depth to the visual narrative. The recurring refrain, "Barishon ka mausam hai aaya, yaadon ki khushboo saath laaya...", captures the song's central theme—that every rainfall revives memories that never truly fade. Dr. Lone delivers a restrained yet emotionally rich vocal performance, complemented by lyrics from Tanveer Ghazi and music production by Roop Mahanta.  Together, they create an evocative soundscape where melody and emotion flow seamlessly. Directed and produced by Rani Hazarika, the music video elevates the composition beyond a conventional romantic song. Rain is used not merely as a visual backdrop but as a recurring symbol of memory, yearning and enduring love. Cinematographer Tassaduq Hussain Baba enhances the visual appeal through poetic imagery that mirrors the song's emotional tone. The video features performances by Elina Adamova, Semran Parvaiz, Sofia Zolotova and Serge Dvorianov alongside Dr. Lone. Among them, debutant Elina Adamova makes a notable impression with a performance marked by understated emotion and natural screen presence. Her portrayal of quiet hope and lingering heartbreak adds authenticity to the narrative, making her one of the standout elements of the production. A native of Kashmir, Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone has established himself as one of the region's leading musical ambassadors. Over the years, he has successfully carried Kashmiri musical traditions to wider national and international audiences by blending folk and Sufi influences with contemporary compositions. His body of work spans Bollywood films and independent music. As a composer, he has contributed to films including Half Widow, Pranaam and the Netflix film Ginny Weds Sunny, while several of his independent compositions—including Peer Myanio, Harmukh Bartal, Rubaru, Dilbaro, Khodaya and Jaan Wandiyo have earned appreciation for preserving Kashmiri musical heritage within a modern framework. Through ARMS Record Label, founded on the philosophy of "Music Beyond Boundaries," Dr. Lone has also focused on promoting independent music and nurturing emerging talent. The platform has collaborated with several acclaimed Indian artists while creating opportunities for new performers and composers. With Baarish, Dr. Lone once again demonstrates his ability to combine evocative storytelling with refined musical craftsmanship. The release not only adds another significant work to his growing repertoire but also highlights Kashmir's continuing contribution to India's independent music landscape. For music lovers, Baarish offers more than a romantic melody. It is a meditation on memories that survive the passage of time, the emotions that return with every monsoon, and the enduring belief that some stories of love never truly end—they simply wait for the rain to fall again.

Srinagar, Jan 29: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecommunication service providers, is putting the power of Adobe Express, the quick-and-easy, create-anything app, into the hands of its 360 million customers across India.     This landmark and first-of-its-kind partnership will provide access to Adobe Express Premium to all Airtel customers  for creating high-quality social assets, marketing materials, short videos and anything they wish to design quickly and effortlessly. With the Adobe Express Premium worth ~₹4,000* now available for free for a year, all Airtel customers can express their creative abilities and produce professional-quality content—regardless of their design experience.   The Adobe Express Premium subscription will be available to all Airtel customers, including mobile, Wi-Fi and DTH customers. Customers can avail themselves of this subscription by logging on to the Airtel Thanks App, with no credit card requirement.     Commenting on the partnership, Siddharth Sharma, CEO — Connected Homes and Director — Marketing, Bharti Airtel,  said, "This partnership is about more than technology. It is about empowering millions of Indians with cutting-edge AI tools to create and innovate. From a student crafting their first resume to a small business owner designing a poster or a creator editing videos for followers, we want to empower every Airtel customer with the tools for self-expression. With Adobe Express, world-class creative tools are no longer a luxury—they’re a reality for every Indian."   “We are committed to empowering everyone to create and stand out with Adobe Express, the quick and easy create-anything app,” said David Wadhwani, President, Digital Media at Adobe. “We are excited to partner with Airtel to bring Adobe Express Premium to millions of people across India for free, accelerating the growth of India’s vibrant creator economy and enabling people to easily produce standout content – whether boosting their careers, growing their businesses or promoting their passions.”    Adobe Express Premium puts the best of Adobe in people’s hands. The subscription provides access to thousands of professional design templates - including ones tailored for Indian festivals, weddings, and local businesses — along with AI-powered features like instant background removal, custom image generation, and one-tap video editing, premium Adobe Stock assets, over 30,000 professional fonts, 100GB cloud storage, and advanced features like auto captions and instant resize—all with no watermarks and seamless sync across devices.      Adobe Express is available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Bengali, allowing users the comfort of leveraging features in their native languages. Whether creating festival greeting cards, wedding invitations or promotional content for local shops or WhatsApp Status updates, Adobe Express makes standout content accessible to everyone.      Real-World Impact of Adobe Express Premium with Airtel With this partnership, all Airtel customers can now leverage Adobe Express Premium's powerful generative AI capabilities to work faster, enhance the quality of their creations, and stand out in a crowded digital space in the following ways:  • Creators & Influencers: Creators can instantly produce content that reflects their unique identity—from attire to language nuance—reshaping online expression. Easy-to-use video editing tools and AI effects make it effortless to create viral-ready content, from Reels to YouTube thumbnails. • Consumers: Adobe Express allows people to easily connect with friends and family through a large library of professional designs to celebrate festivals, wish good morning or send personalised invitations. • Students: Build standout projects, dynamic presentations and portfolios, while developing essential skills like digital communication. • Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs: Anyone looking to build their business or professional brand  can design social media ads, marketing posters, QR codes, logos and more—in  minutes—saving time and costs. • Marketers: Advertisers and marketers can produce on-brand visuals and campaigns that reflect their authentic identities, traditions and environments—moving beyond the sea of sameness created by generic templates.  Customer benefit indicated basis current subscription, valid for 1 year. T&C Apply

Srinagar, Jan 15: As the spirit for nationalism comes near, it is time to brighten your screens with stories that shine with emotion, courage, and freedom. It's the perfect time to unwind with a meaningful binge-watch in addition to flag hoisting, family dinners, and a well-earned day off. With Airtel IPTV, you can enjoy these cinematic experiences on the big screen from the comfort of your home. Bringing together 29+ top streaming apps, 600+ live TV channels, and a massive on-demand library, Airtel IPTV makes your festive binge-watching brighter and better than ever.These must-watch shows, which are best viewed on the big screen from the comfort of your home, range from gripping dramas and legal thrillers to international favourites and heartwarming reality TV: Freedom at Midnight Season 2 (SonyLIV): Explore post-1947 India's political struggle Streaming from January 9, 2026, few narratives do a better job of capturing the passion and chaos of India's independence than Freedom at Midnight. The show delving into India's Partition and independence aftermath, capturing intense political and human stories around that pivotal moment in history. The Night Manager Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video): Tom Hiddleston returns in this sophisticated spy thriller. Premiered on January 11, 2026, The Night Manager takes place in a world of greed, deception and moral conflict; telling us what it takes to stand up in the face of great adversity (while being extremely entertaining!). You'll want to make time for this series on the evening of Republic Day. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (JioHotstar) The new Game of Thrones prequel series Premiered on January 19, 2026, takes us back to Westeros with a more intimate, character-driven tale. Set decades before House of the Dragon, this story of chivalry, loyalty and quiet heroism is apt for its core audience-viewers who love rich world-building and political intrigue. So compelling to sink into this coming Republic Day weekend. Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web (Netflix): An Emraan Hashmi-led thriller Premiered on January 14, 2026, it’s a gritty thriller that probes deep into the unsafe world of smuggling, betrayal, and playing with power. High on tension, moral dilemmas, sharp storytelling, and high-stakes drama, it keeps you hooked/eager for more. Perfect for a binge-worthy holiday watch. Hijack Season 2 (Apple TV): The high-octane thriller series Released on January 14, 2026, the high-octane thriller returns with even bigger stakes and edge-of-the-seat suspense. Building on the intensity of the first season, Hijack delves into crisis management, human psychology, and split-second decisions under pressure, making this show engrossing for a lover of fast-moving dramas. 120 Bahadur (Amazon Prime Video), Heroic Battle of Rezang La from the 1962 Sino-Indian War Re-released on January 16,2026, it has been inspired by actual events and is a tribute to the most exemplary act of bravery and sacrifice. Performed by stellar actors and featuring a story that moves the heart, the film 120 Bahadur is the perfect way to celebrate Republic Day. Stranger Things Season 5 (Netflix) One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 arrives on January 12, offering a never‑before‑seen deep dive into the creation of the hit series’ emotional final season, complete with candid moments from the cast and creators as they navigated the highs, lows, and tough goodbyes of Hawkins. Whether you are craving more closure, curious about how this television phenomenon was built from the ground up, or simply can’t let go of the Upside Down, this documentary promises surprises and heartfelt storytelling that make it worth every second of your watch. Bonus Pick for some Patriotism on Play: 4 Films to Fire Up Your Republic Day Spirit Border (Amazon Prime Video):  A classic war film based on the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War Released in theatres back on June 13, 1997, "Border" remains one of the best patriotic films ever made in Indian cinema, based on the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Nothing beats this movie in terms of patriotic emotion. Amjad Khan, Mack Moroleng, Jackic Dorman, Victor Banerjee, Sobha, Pooja Ruprell, and Santosh Pandey star. Shershaah (Amazon Prime Video):  The inspiring true story of Captain Vikram Batra (Param Vir Chakra awardee) Release back on August 12, 2021, The real-life inspiring episode of Captain Vikram Batra (Param Vir Chakra recipient) in the war of Kargil. Extremely emotional, inspiring, and a deeply patriotic film, it is a fitting watch on Republic Day to understand the true meaning of sacrifice for the country.   Uri: The Surgical Strike (ZEE5 and Airtel Xstream Play): A dramatization of the 2016 Uri surgical strike Released in theatres back on January 11, 2019, A gripping adaptation of the 2016 Uri surgical strike, the film merges reality with thrilling action. Nationalistic and full of passion, Uri is the ideal choice for audiences wanting to celebrate Republic Day with an impactful film experience.   Raazi: (Amazon Prime Video): A gripping spy thriller about an Indian spy who marries into a Pakistani military family Released in theatres back on May 11, 2018, A taut spy thriller about an Indian intelligence operative who marries into a Pakistani military family. Raazi stands out for its emotional depth, restrained storytelling and strong performances, making it a compelling watch during the holiday.   With Airtel IPTV, every story shines brighter. Plans start at just ₹699, and as a special festive offer, viewers can enjoy up to 30 days of free service on new IPTV plans through the Airtel Thanks App.   This Republic Day, let’s honor freedom by revisiting stories that embody courage, justice, identity, and transformation.    Relax, stream wisely, and let enchanting stories guide your long weekend celebration.

Mumbai, Jan 8: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas never miss a chance to entertain fans with their playful chemistry. While the global couple continues to be each other’s strongest support system, they also enjoy indulging in light-hearted banter that often leaves netizens amused. Recently, Nick Jonas shared yet another fun video on Instagram, teasing Priyanka in his signature humorous style. The clip begins with Nick seemingly admiring his wife as she scrolls through her phone. A text overlay reading, “Yup. I get it bro” accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji initially gives the impression that he’s praising Priyanka. However, the twist comes moments later when Nick pans the camera to reveal a toy rhinoceros placed behind her, hinting that his admiration was actually meant for the inflatable animal. He cheekily captioned the video, “She’s pretty and stuff.” Priyanka was quick to react, re-sharing the video on her Instagram Stories with a witty remark, “He’s at it again.. @nickjonas." The couple’s social media feeds are filled with such endearing moments, often drawing laughs from fans worldwide. On the professional front, Priyanka is gearing up for the release of her upcoming swashbuckling action thriller “The Bluff.” She recently shared glimpses from the film, where she plays Ercell Bodden, a fierce pirate known as Bloody Mary. Posting stills from the film on Instagram, Priyanka wrote, “Mother. Protector. Pirate. Meet Bloody Mary #TheBluff | Feb. 25, 2026 Only on @PrimeVideo.” The images show her in a battle-ready avatar, blood-soaked and wielding a sword, alongside softer moments portraying her character’s role as a devoted mother.

Mumbai, Jan 19: Addressing a media briefing on Sunday, Mumbai Police said the arrested accused in the Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan attack case is likely a Bangladeshi national, adding that his belongings that cops seized indicate so.Saif Ali Khan's attacker had changed name to Vijay Das after entering India, Mumbai Police said.DCP Zone 9 Dixit Gedam said the arrested accused has been identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad and is 30 years old, adding that he entered actor Saif Ali Khan's house with the intention of robbery.Gedam said prima facie, the accused is a Bangladeshi and after entering India illegally he changed his name. "He was using Vijay Das as his current name. He came to Mumbai 5-6 months ago. He stayed in Mumbai for a few days and then in the vicinity of Mumbai. The accused used to work in a housekeeping agency," he added."On January 16, at 2 am, actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his residence. FIR was registered and one accused has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, he is 30 years old. He entered the house with the intention of robbery. He will be produced in the court and custody will be demanded. Further investigation will take place later... We doubt he is of Bangladeshi origin...," Dixit Gedam said.Gedam added: "There is primary evidence to anticipate that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. There are some seizures that indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national..."Mumbai Police informed earlier that the accused used multiple aliases like Vijay Das, Bijoy Das etc.Mumbai Police informed in the wee hours of Sunday that they have arrested from Maharashtra's Thane West area the main accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case. (Agencies)

Shaan-e-Varmul award Ceremony Honours recognises those who have made exceptional contributions to society through dedication and selfless serviceBaramulla, Jan 15: Baramulla witnessed a first of its kind award ceremony on Wednesday to recognise the individuals in various fields who have contributed to the community.The event was organised at Thimayya Hall wherein the dignitaries, achievers, and common citizens gathered to honour outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the growth and upliftment of society across various sectors.The awardees were shortlisted through an exhaustive nomination-cum-vote by the civil society in Baramulla. Over 13000 citizens nominated for 57 accomplished individuals.The top nominations were put through an exhaustive verification process by an esteemed panel of respected persons across the district, in eleven significant categories.For his efforts in the field of Cultural Preservation, Nassar  Ahmad Shah from Dangiwacha also known by his pen name as Nisar Azam was awarded. His poem collection titled Patte Lazi Zoon Daras won him National acclaim when he was awarded the Sahitya Akadami Yuva Puraskar in the year 2011. Mehak Khursheed from Salamabad, Uri is the first female Baker-Chef from Baramulla District. She engages in promoting entrepreneurship by skilling women in far flung areas from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh in baking. Her initiatives have propelled many women on the path of being self-dependent. In the category of Philanthropy, Jenab Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat, the well-known industrialist from  Baramulla was felicitated for his contribution to society and social responsibility. Renu Bamrara, Asst Dir in IISM, Gulmarg was honoured for her contributions to tourism and adventure sports in GulmargTwo young innovators won the accolades for Science and Technology -Sheikh Anzar Amin of Fatehgarh for his innovation in Automatic Gas Regulator based on toxic gas detection system, an idea which was driven by many deaths occurring in Kashmir during winters due to use of gas heaters. ; and Ms Shahida Bano, the young innovator of the Smart-Key with finger print sensor.Principal Saint Joseph s Higher Secondary School, Suresh Britto has been instrumental in providing all round development to 12,000 plus students and promoting teaching skills to educators. He was felicitated in the field of Education. Momin Mehraj, a young boy from Baramulla acted bravely during a devastating fire in Sumarwan village, saving many lives. He was awarded for his Bravery. Snowbar Akhter made Baramulla proud by winning over 10 medals including at National level in Martial Arts (Wushu and Pencak Silat) and was recognised in the field of Sports.Dr Sarabjit Singh Chhibber is a renowned neurologist from Baramulla who is highly respected for having sponsored more than 13 free medical camps in rural areas of the district and undertaken free high cost surgeries for the poor and needy people. His contributions in the field of healthcare have been noteworthy.The internationally acclaimed Wildlife Photographer and conservationist, Mr Dhritiman Mukherjee has made significant contributions to the conservation of the rare Markhor species in Baramulla. His work has helped to maintain the region's natural balance and paved the way for a new chapter in Environmental Conservation. Sher Ali Mashgool, an 84 year old poet from Delina, Baramulla is a self-educated person but well versed with 14 Alimi Arooz and his Qaseedas are considered amongst the best in Kashmiri Language. He was felicitated in the field of literature.A captivating performance by the Chinar YUVA cultural group enthralled the audience, showcasing Baramulla s cultural legacy.Prof Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo said that the initiative to celebrate the unsung heroes was laudable."Everyone recognises the player who wins the gold, but much of the credit goes to the coach, and this initiative recognises the efforts of such coaches in every field," he said.

Srinagar, Jan 16: Bollywood actor, Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an unidentified person at his Bandra home leaving him injured.As per the official statement, Actor Saif Ali Khan was immediately rushed to the hospital at 3.30am.COO of Lilavati Hospital, Dr Niraj Uttamani COO in an official statement said that Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an unidentified person at his Bandra home and was brought in at 330 am. "Saif has six stabs and two are deep and one is close to the spine. He is being operated upon by a team of doctors led by Neurosurgeon Dr Nitin Dange, cosmetic surgeon Dr Leena Jain anaesthetiologist Dr Nisha Gandhi," he said.Meanwhile, Actor Saif Ali Khan in an official statement confirmed an attempt of burglary at his residence.He is currently undergoing surgery in the hospital and urged the media and fans to remain patient saying the matter was under police investigation..