Netflix has announced a major step towards strengthening India's creative landscape with the launch of the ‘Netflix India Storytelling Initiative’, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country's growing entertainment industry. The announcement comes after Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to discuss the increasing global appeal of Indian stories and the company's continued investment in India's creative economy.

Having worked with India's creative community for over a decade, Netflix has produced more than 200 Originals and filmed across over 100 locations in the country. Building on this foundation, the newly launched initiative aims to support the next generation of storytellers through a multi-phase investment focused on talent development. The programme will establish strategic collaborations with leading Indian institutions to equip aspiring creators with industry-relevant skills across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem, an important contributor to India's growing Orange Economy.

The initiative is also aligned with the Government of India's vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 by promoting stronger ties between education and industry while nurturing creative talent capable of competing on a global stage. Through these efforts, Netflix hopes to further position India as an international hub for storytelling and entertainment production.

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix, said, "India has always been one of the world's greatest storytelling nations. Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of seeing Indian stories connect with audiences not just across India, but around the world. As we begin our next decade here, we believe our greatest investment is in the people who will tell India's next generation of stories. The Netflix India Storytelling Initiative reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India's creative ecosystem by creating more opportunities for emerging creators, because investing in creators is investing in India's creative future."

The first phase of the initiative will focus on youth skilling through two key partnerships. Netflix has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to develop an industry-focused curriculum in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also provide 100 scholarships for students enrolling in in-person courses covering Interactive Comics and Sequential Art, Virtual Art Department Content Creation, Art of Character Animation, E-Sports and Gaming Management, along with other emerging creative fields.

Additionally, Netflix has partnered with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to develop a skilled workforce for new roles created under the Prime Minister's accessibility agenda. The collaboration will train audio description writers and voice professionals to make films and series more accessible for audiences with visual and hearing impairments. The programme will follow international standards while incorporating local storytelling traditions, supporting the shared vision of Netflix and the Government of India to promote inclusive storytelling.

Through these initiatives, Netflix aims to create more opportunities for emerging creators, strengthen India's entertainment production capabilities, and further expand the global reach of Indian stories. The company stated that as it enters its second decade in India, it remains committed to investing in creative talent, enhancing industry partnerships, and supporting Indian storytellers in reaching audiences across the world.

Also Read: Netflix drops announcement video of Musafir Cafe for Season 2: Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana to return

Anil Kapoor has reached Hyderabad to kick off filming for the highly anticipated Pan-India film Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. Featuring Jr NTR in the lead role, the film is already generating significant excitement and is expected to be one of the biggest theatrical releases of 2027. The first installment of the ambitious project is slated to arrive in cinemas on June 11, 2027.

Before beginning work on the film, Anil shared a nostalgic moment with fans on social media. On August 5, which marks actress Kajol's birthday, the actor posted a heartfelt Instagram Story remembering their time together while shooting Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) at Ramoji Film City.

Recalling a memorable conversation from those days, Anil revealed that Kajol had once playfully told him that even years later, after getting married and raising a family, he would still be shooting at the same location. Her light-hearted prediction unexpectedly came true as he returned to Ramoji Film City on her birthday, this time for Dragon. Describing the coincidence as a "true blessing," Anil also expressed his wish to reunite with Kajol on screen in the near future.

The film also marks a major milestone in Anil Kapoor's career, as it brings him back to Telugu cinema after a gap of 46 years. He made his Telugu debut with Bapu's Vamsa Vruksham in 1980, a film that also introduced him as a leading actor. During the promotions of Animal in Hyderabad in 2023, Anil had fondly spoken about working on the film, sharing that the experience taught him discipline. He recalled waking up at 4 a.m. every day to prepare for the demanding schedule, an experience that left a lasting impact on him.

In Dragon, Anil Kapoor takes on the role of Raghuveer Rathod, the Chief of India's Narcotics Bureau. Set in the backdrop of the opium trade during the 1960s, the story revolves around Jr NTR's character, Luger, the ruthless assassin-in-chief of the Afghan Trading Company.

As the narrative unfolds, Rathod becomes the biggest obstacle standing in Luger's path and his expanding criminal network. The confrontation between the Narcotics Bureau and the powerful trading syndicate forms the core of the story. According to industry buzz, Anil's character is expected to be a commanding authority figure whose unwavering pursuit of justice will lead to one of the film's most intense and significant face-offs. With its powerful cast, high-stakes narrative, and Prashanth Neel's direction, Dragon is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited releases in Indian cinema.

Also Read: Anil Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Jackie Shroff celebrate 32 years of 1942: A Love Story as restored version heads to cinemas

After wowing audiences with the quirky yet progressive ‘Lipstick’, Adnan Sami is back with the intense dance number ‘Ishq Tamasha’. The track combines the emotional depth of a romantic ballad with contemporary pop-rock production and expressive visual storytelling. The strikingly mounted video also evokes memories of Adnan Sami’s creatively filmed music videos from the early 2000s. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the legendary singer-composer spoke about ‘Ishq Tamasha’, his evolving musical sensibilities and a lot more.

‘Ishq Tamasha’ is quite intense and impactful and also completely different from ‘Lipstick’… I have a whole host of songs that are in the pipeline. We started off with ‘Lipstick’ and it had a completely different vibe from whatever I have done in the past. ‘Ishq Tamasha’ is a completely different song from that. They don’t have any connection whatsoever, as you can tell. This is a very intense romantic song. In the past, I have done a lot of songs from very different types of genres – songs like ‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’, ‘Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein’ and ‘Tera Chehra’ on one hand and also ‘Lift Kara De’, ‘Gela Gela’, ‘Aye Udi Udi’ and ‘Kiss Me Baby’ on the other. I have also done qawwali. So, I have these different genres that are in me, and they reflect a lot of who I am as a musician and as a person. They also reflect my upbringing. You are what you listen to and what you are influenced by. Since I have lived all over the world throughout my life, obviously there’s so much of influence that I have picked up wherever I lived.

In the forthcoming future, I am going to be sharing all of that. The forthcoming songs would also stand out in terms of their arrangements, themes, texture, etc. It is exciting for me as a musician. I finally got into a zone where I decided that I want to bare all (smiles). I don’t want to get stuck into any particular genre.

Why do you think this is the right time for you to bare all? Because even the listener has evolved. In the past, the listener was prepared to listen to very limited music. There was film music, which had its own texture and genre. Then there was a little bit of experimentation on the independent side. So, you needed to work around that perimeter of music. Now, formats have changed and streaming has come in.

Earlier, a listener would buy cassettes. You had a certain amount of money and you would walk into the music store. Most of the people could buy just 1 or 2 cassettes based on their budget. As a result, the listener would buy only that album that he had heard on radio or seen its music video and was comfortable with it. Accordingly, the person would buy those two cassettes and listen to their songs to death (laughs). There were a hundred other cassettes of other films and albums. But the listener would not buy them, citing ‘Maine inke gaane nahin sune aur mere paas paise nahin hai udaane ke liye’. And it was fair; even I used to do the same as a student.

Consequently, everyone was roaming around that perimeter of music. But with streaming coming in, things have improved. Let’s say that you have paid Rs. 100 to access a subscription of a music app. By paying just Rs. 100, you could listen to the songs from the entire world. Now, because you have the facility, you will listen to different sounds. You’ll say ‘Hey, I like that’. Suddenly, your mind opens up. You are far more receptive towards all kind of music as you have got the exposure.

And that’s not all. Today, we have international acts coming to India of all kinds of genres that one didn’t expect that people would like. Yet, they are filling up stadiums. This makes me very happy. I grew up with so many different genres and compositions of all kinds. But I was not able to present them to the listener as I knew that he or she was not possibly accustomed and tuned to take it in. Hence, I stuck to a particular format. Now that the listener has become attentive and receptive to such genres, I am really enjoying this as now, I can go anywhere. So, now I have decided to do just that (smiles). It allows me to open up my creative banks.

‘Ishq Tamasha’ is an intense romantic song about a man who is so madly in love that he worries he may be making a fool of himself and become an object of ridicule. How did the idea for the song come about? We, as a society in India and elsewhere, have this tendency. When we read about Romeo And Juliet, Heer Ranjha, Laila Majnu or watch Devdas, we glorify them and say ‘Waah…romance ho toh aisa ho’! But when we see somebody doing the same in real life, we mock them. Why this hypocrisy? We say ‘Majnu ban gaya hai, pagal ban gaya hai, Devdas ki aulad’. They’ll also say all kinds of nonsense like ‘Kya hua agar woh chali gayi? There are many fish in the ocean’! Your parents may tell you, ‘You’d look back at this and you’ll laugh at yourself’. When you’re going through it, you feel small and dejected. You wonder, ‘Why are you making fun of me? I am just in love with somebody’. You also feel ‘Main nahin, yeh log pagal ho gaye hai’!

‘Ishq Tamasha’ is about this hypocrisy. By and large, most people go through it.

Also Read: Adnan Sami releases new single ‘Ishq Tamasha’ with Zee Music Company; explores love through music and dance

Bhagyashree recently treated her fans to a nostalgic moment by sharing a video of herself dancing to Lata Mangeshkar’s evergreen classic, ‘Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein’, The performance beautifully celebrated the timeless appeal of the iconic melody, reminding viewers of the simplicity and elegance that defined the golden era of Hindi film music.

In the video, Bhagyashree is seen gracefully performing to the beloved track while also singing along to the lyrics. Dressed in a stylish Anarkali suit paired with matching jewellery, the actress effortlessly complemented the mood of the classic song with her elegant expressions and dance moves.

Sharing the video on social media, Bhagyashree reflected on how romance was once expressed through subtle emotions rather than grand gestures. She captioned the post, “#myfavsongsbyb Do you remember when love had a different language? A little shy, a little hesitant, a little longing, a little anticipation..... when words were fewer and a look said it all. Have you ever felt love like that? #musicforever #1900s.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bhagyashree (@bhagyashree.online)

The actress has often expressed her fondness for evergreen Bollywood music by recreating iconic songs through dance videos. Her latest post is another example of her appreciation for timeless melodies that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

A few days earlier, Bhagyashree had also given fans a glimpse of her getaway to Udaipur with her husband, Himalaya Dassani. Sharing pictures from the trip, she offered snapshots of the couple enjoying special moments together during a birthday celebration. Alongside the photos, she wrote, “Wild, wild west! What a weekend... Witty's birthday celebration!.”

On the work front, Bhagyashree married Himalaya Dassani in 1989, and the couple has two children, Abhimanyu Dassani and Avantika Dassani. Abhimanyu made his Bollywood debut with Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota in 2019, while Avantika entered the entertainment industry with the web series Mithya.

Professionally, Bhagyashree was last seen in the 2023 thriller Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video. She later made a special appearance in the comedy-drama streaming series Life Hill Gayi, continuing to stay connected with audiences through selective projects while also sharing glimpses of her personal life and love for classic Bollywood music on social media.

Also Read : Bhagyashree hits back at trolls over ‘fake lassi promotion’ claims; says, “Kya aap the wahan par?”

With the trailer of Awarapan 2 set to launch on August 6, anticipation around Emraan Hashmi’s much-awaited sequel continues to grow. The film, which arrives in cinemas on August 14 during the Independence Day holiday weekend, will face competition from Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947. Despite the high-profile box office clash, producer Vishesh Bhatt has expressed confidence and gratitude, saying the release date was chosen with audiences in mind rather than competition.

Addressing the much-discussed clash, Vishesh Bhatt said, “We came on the date that seemed best. It's our first release coming into 14th August on a holiday and it's our fortune and luck that we get to share this release date with the legend Sunny Deol and and it's with a lot of humility we would like to bring the film on a holiday so more people can also come and watch this film.”

#Awaarapan2 producer Vishesh Bhatt answers the question on the Independence Day clash with #Batwara1947.

He says it's THEIR fortune to share this release date with the LEGEND SUNNY DEOL ♥️

ALL the best to them as well!!

Healthy clash ho jaye....!! #SunnyDeol pic.twitter.com/8R3R3bhzki — Deva Ki Adaalat (@SunnyDeolFanHu) August 4, 2026

His remarks reflect the makers’ positive outlook towards the festive release window, which traditionally draws large crowds to theatres. Instead of viewing the simultaneous release as a rivalry, Bhatt emphasized that the holiday period offers moviegoers an opportunity to enjoy multiple films on the big screen.

Awarapan 2 marks the return of Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit nearly two decades after the original Awarapan earned cult status among fans. The sequel also stars Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli, promising a blend of action, romance and emotional drama while carrying forward the legacy of the 2007 film.

Music has always been one of the biggest strengths of the Awarapan franchise. Songs like ‘Tera Mera Rishta,’ ‘Toh Phir Aao,’ and ‘Maula Maula’ continue to enjoy immense popularity years after the original film's release. Keeping that legacy alive, the makers have already hinted that Awarapan 2 will feature a fresh soundtrack while retaining the soulful musical identity that made the first film memorable. The music is expected to play a key role in connecting both old fans and a new generation of audiences.

With nostalgia, music, and Emraan Hashmi reprising one of his most loved characters, Awarapan 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the Independence Day weekend.

Also Read : Awarapan 2 trailer to release on 6th August, Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Bhatt

Singer Neha Bhasin has publicly criticised actor Bhumi Pednekar over her recent comments on the language used by protesters during the CJP-led NEET-UG 2026 demonstrations. Bhumi's statement, which urged young protesters to avoid using abusive language while expressing their anger, had already sparked widespread debate on social media. Many users argued that the actor focused on the protesters' choice of words instead of addressing the alleged police action during the demonstrations.

The controversy stems from Bhumi's Instagram video, where she expressed concern over videos showing protesters using offensive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Emphasising the importance of maintaining respect, she said, “Looking at the videos surfacing now, the kind of language being used, and the way the youth of our country are speaking — the youth of our country... this isn't how we talk, man. We are talking about someone who holds the highest office in the land today. And it’s not just about the office; would we ever speak like this to the elders in our own homes? Can we really resort to using abusive language?” She further added, “Guys, this isn't our culture; it’s wrong, and this really bothered me — that’s why I wanted to come forward and address this: a country will only progress and move forward when, collectively and unitedly, we discuss our flaws as well as the good things. Our culture and value system form our backbone; we shouldn't stray from them, otherwise, we won't be able to communicate the right things in the right way, and they will never be implemented or lead to change.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Neha Bhasin (NB) (@nehabhasin4u)

However, Bhumi's remarks drew criticism from several social media users, who questioned why she did not address the reported use of force against students during the July 20 Sansad March. Videos circulating online allegedly showed protesters being lathi-charged, tear-gassed and assaulted by police personnel, prompting demands for accountability. Joining the criticism, Neha Bhasin shared a strongly worded post questioning the silence over the alleged police conduct. She wrote, “I would have really respected our dear PM more if there was calling out of police for openly, inappropriately touching women during the protests as he is offended by the use of gaalis. He himself said these are kids. But the police is appointed to protect and abide by the law. So why is there no accountability there.” The singer also took a direct dig at Bhumi, stating, “Bhumi Pednekar Lock Upp pe bhi scripted thi aur protests ko lekar bhi. Gooda nahi hai toh chup rehna best hai behen (She was scripted in Lock Upp and also about the protests. Sometimes its best to keep your mouth shut)." Bhumi had recently appeared as Janta Ki Awaz alongside Huma Qureshi in the Judgment Day episode of Lock Upp, hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh. The controversy comes against the backdrop of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), thousands of students gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of the Education Minister following several student suicides. Although Dharmendra Pradhan later resigned, protesters have continued to press for broader reforms. The demonstrations intensified after the July 20 march towards Parliament, when videos purportedly showing police using batons, tear gas and physical force against protesters surfaced online, triggering widespread outrage. Also Read : VIVA’s iconic songs return to streaming platforms after 20 years; India’s first Pop Girl band sparks nostalgia online

Priyanka Chopra has once again offered fans a heartwarming glimpse into her personal life by sharing a new Instagram video that highlights two different sides of her personality. Posted on Monday, the clip captures the actor embracing both her role as a loving mother and her fun-loving side with friends. The video comes amid a series of family updates that Priyanka and her husband, singer Nick Jonas, have been sharing with fans, giving a closer look at their everyday life with daughter Malti Marie.

The video begins with a peaceful and intimate mother-daughter moment. Priyanka is seen teaching little Malti Marie the sacred 'Sarva Mangala Mangalaye' mantra, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The calm interaction reflects the nurturing side of the actor, perfectly matching the "mama" caption she used in her post. The touching exchange showcases the special bond the mother and daughter share while also introducing Malti to a traditional prayer. The mood of the video then changes as Priyanka transitions from family time to a lively gathering with friends. In the second half of the clip, the 44-year-old actor is seen dancing joyfully, embracing the playful energy she described as her "mamacita" side. The contrast between the two moments offers a glimpse into how Priyanka balances motherhood with enjoying lighthearted moments alongside close friends.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra)

The post follows another family update shared by Nick Jonas on August 1. Captioned, "July was one for the books," the carousel featured several snapshots from their family life. Among the pictures were a mirror selfie of Nick dressed in a cowboy-inspired outfit, a pink toy camera displaying Priyanka's reflection, and a sweet image of Malti looking out at the sea. Another photo captured Priyanka leaning towards Nick during an outdoor family meal, while another showed Nick enjoying a game of foosball at home. Priyanka also recently shared an Instagram Story showing Malti watching her popular 2014 song ‘Tune Maari Entriyaan’ from Gunday. Alongside the clip, she wrote, "Who would've thought?" In another Story, she posted a picture of her mother, Madhu Chopra, holding Malti's hands during their stay at a hotel. On the work front Priyanka has shifted her focus back to work and has resumed shooting for SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, which also stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. She and Nick recently attended a movie night with Mahesh Babu at Hyderabad's AMB Cinemas. Varanasi is scheduled to arrive in theatres on April 7, 2026. Also Read : Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas join Mahesh Babu for movie night at AMB Cinemas amid Varanasi excitement