In a chilling revelation that has rocked India’s entertainment and corporate corridors, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered the registration of an FIR against Satish Panchariya, Chairman of K Sera Sera Group, and Nikita Rattanshi, Director of Chhotu Maharaj Cinema. The FIR, registered at Amboli Police Station under the Ministry’s directive (Order No: F.No.15011/01/2025-SC/ST-W (S)), follows grave allegations of repeated sexual assault, criminal conspiracy, and extortion, with ramifications that extend far beyond personal misconduct.

The survivor, a foreign national and former director at the company, has accused Panchariya of raping and violently assaulting her multiple times over a span of two years. These alleged assaults, often disguised as professional meetings, reportedly occurred inside the company’s office.

One of the most harrowing incidents, as per the survivor, took place on December 3, 2024, when she claims she was physically overpowered, threatened with gang rape, and warned of an acid attack. Even more disturbing is her claim that the local police refused to register an FIR and instead tried to mediate a private settlement between her family and the accused inside the police station.

It was only after relentless complaints and national attention that the MHA stepped in, citing severe lapses by local law enforcement and invoking provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to order a comprehensive investigation. The allegations, however, do not end with sexual assault.

According to the FIR, Panchariya and Rattanshi are allegedly at the helm of a deeply entrenched criminal syndicate. They have been accused of pirating copyrighted Indian films and distributing them illegally in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. The report also points to a toxic “casting couch” culture, where aspiring actors were exploited under the guise of film opportunities, with some women allegedly trafficked to high-end producers.

The FIR further alleges that the accused have engaged in stock market manipulation, illicit transfers through shell companies—often using the names of junior staff like maids and peons to mask the transactions—and defrauded over Rs. 25 crores through fictitious investment vehicles.

The duo is also linked to a sprawling franchise scam involving the sale of over 500 disputed cinema units under the brand ‘Chottu Maharaj.’ Additionally, the accused are suspected of being involved in the murder of a Merchant Navy officer, currently under separate investigation. Lastly, as per the FIR, victims were allegedly recorded and later extorted using compromising material.

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Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have started shooting for an upcoming web series directed by the amazingly acclaimed Paatal Lok director Prosit Roy in Delhi. The show is supposedly based on the infamous Ranga-Billa murder case, one of the most shocking and high-profile crimes in Delhi’s history, that shaped the capitals history and identity.

The case, which dates back to 1978, involved the abduction and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa) had initially planned to steal a car but changed course upon discovering the children inside. The incident drew nationwide attention and led to significant public reaction, eventually contributing to changes in laws related to kidnapping and child safety.

The upcoming series aims to capture the details of the crime and its impact on the people of Delhi at the time and takes an investigative look into the case that followed the murders. The makers have not officially confirmed the storyline but sources suggest it closely follows these very real-life incidents.

A source close to the production shared, “The team has been researching the case in detail for months now. The show which has commenced shoot in the capital will focus on the events as they unfolded following the murder case. It’s being treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi. The shoot is currently on in various parts of the city.”

This marks one of the first times the Ranga-Billa case is being adapted for a scripted series, with Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre taking on lead roles.

Also Read : Ali Fazal on playing a king in Rakht Brahmand and a gritty real-life character in Prosit Roy’s next: “The mental shift required between these projects is immense”

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JP Infra, a leading real estate developer renowned for its innovative residential projects, has announced Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new brand ambassador. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the brand’s image and connect with a broader audience seeking premium living experiences.​

Kareena Kapoor Khan, celebrated for her elegance and versatility, embodies the sophistication and modernity that JP Infra represents. Her association with the brand is expected to resonate with aspiring homeowners who value both luxury and functionality in their living spaces.​

A press release stated, “The collaboration has led to a high-impact campaign that redefines how real estate connects with Mumbai’s aspirational audiences. This association goes beyond celebrity endorsement-it’s a thoughtfully curated brand journey that celebrates grace, authenticity, and the emotional significance of home.”

The campaign showcases Kareena Kapoor as the voice of today’s discerning homebuyer—someone who values emotional connection, is conscious of value, and desires more than just a place to live. Each film skillfully reflects JP Infra’s dedication to thoughtful design, top-tier amenities, and genuine lifestyle experiences.

Anchored with messages like “Where Royalty Resides,” “Best Lifestyle in Thane,” and “Log achhe hai,” JP Infra positions itself as a developer that truly understands the emotional needs of Indian families. From the peaceful surroundings of North Imperial Green in Thane to the majestic elegance of The Palace at North Garden City in Mira Road, every visual story is engaging, evocative, and perfectly aligned with the brand’s core values.

Deepak Nair, Head of Marketing at JP Infra Mumbai Pvt. Ltd, stated, “Our” collaboration with Kareena Kapoor is not just about leveraging a star face – it’s about aligning with the values of trust, elegance, and aspiration. Through this partnership, we’ve brought our brand philosophy to life in a way that resonates with the evolving expectations of today’s homebuyers.”

Also Read : Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran headline Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra

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Entrepreneur and singer-songwriter Ananya Birla has officially launched LOVETC, a bold new entrant into India’s beauty market. Touted as a premium, high-performance colour cosmetics brand, LOVETC is positioned at the intersection of global quality and Indian authenticity, offering a vibrant and empowering take on beauty for the modern Indian consumer. To unveil the brand, LOVETC has released a striking campaign featuring actor and youth icon Janhvi Kapoor as its first-ever brand ambassador. Kapoor, known for her bold style and confident individuality, brings the brand’s spirit of self-expression and fearless femininity to life.

The campaign film — now streaming across LOVETC and Janhvi Kapoor’s social media channels — showcases a kaleidoscope of vivid hues, effortless glam, and unapologetic self-expression, aligning with the brand’s mission to redefine beauty as bold, expressive, and authentic.

Ananya Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Birla Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd., shared her vision behind the launch, “I’ve always gravitated towards beauty that’s simple, effective, and enhances who you are — not transforms you into someone else. LOVETC reflects that philosophy. It’s a brand designed for real lives; with products that work hard, last long, and feel intuitive.”

LOVETC makes its debut with a curated selection of products including long-wear lipsticks, precision eyeliners, and volumizing mascaras. The range is designed to combine cutting-edge innovation with sensorial luxury, ensuring high performance without compromising on comfort or style.

The brand emphasizes “Made in India, for the world”, signalling its ambition to position homegrown excellence on the global beauty map. Products are now available online and on Nykaa, with plans for offline retail rollout across major Indian cities in the coming months.

With the combined star power of Ananya Birla and Janhvi Kapoor, LOVETC is poised to make a powerful first impression in India’s competitive beauty market — offering a refreshing, homegrown take on luxury beauty that celebrates individuality, confidence, and bold expression.

Also Read: Param Sundari Janhvi Kapoor embraces South roots; wishes fans Happy Vishu and Puthandu in Malayalam and Tamil

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Amazon has scrapped the spin-offs Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana following their first seasons. Meanwhile, the main Citadel series, featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, is set for a 2026 release and now has an official synopsis.

Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, announced that the Indian and Italian narratives from Honey Bunny

“Although these popular and well-received international chapters won’t move forward as standalone series, Season 2 of Citadel will be our most thrilling installment yet,” said Sanders. He also shared that the upcoming season will further explore the emotional arcs of Nadia (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), Mason (Richard Madden), and Orlick (Stanley Tucci).

Sanders also promised high-stakes storytelling, a bold cinematic experience, and exciting new cast members. “We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming next when Citadel Season 2 premieres worldwide in the second quarter of 2026,” he added.

The cancellation of Citadel’s international spin-offs didn’t come as a shock, especially after the unexpected departure of Amazon MGM head Jennifer Salke, who had championed the global spy thriller as her most ambitious project with the company.

The series centers on the secretive spy agency Citadel. Following its downfall, its agents’ memories are erased. The official synopsis poses a gripping question: “Now the powerful syndicate, Manticore, is rising in the void. Can the Citadel agents recollect their past and summon the strength to fight back?”

The second season of the main Citadel series is currently in post-production, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richard Madden, and Stanley Tucci returning to their roles. The cast also includes Leo Woodall, Ashleigh Cummings, Paul Bazely, Roland Møller, Moira Kelly, and more.

Season one of Citadel, along with its international spin-offs Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny, is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Also Read : Shoojit Sircar on 7 years of October, “I am so grateful to Varun Dhawan that he agreed to work with me”

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The shoot of Vadh 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2022 acclaimed thriller Vadh, has officially been wrapped up. Reuniting celebrated actors Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, Vadh 2 serves as a spiritual sequel to Vadh—carrying forward the essence that made the original film resonate strongly with audiences. Vadh 2 aims to retain the introspective tone, moral tension and emotional complexity that defined Vadh, while venturing into new mysteries under the same thematic umbrella.

The film is directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg’s Luv Films.

Expressing his emotions on completion of Vadh 2, Sanjay Mishra said, “Vadh was not just a film, it was a cinematic experience that stayed with us and even the audience. To see it evolve into a franchise is both humbling and exciting. Working once again under Jaspal’s direction has been truly inspiring—his vision brings depth to every moment.”

Neena Gupta added, “It’s rare to find stories with such a unique voice. Jaspal [Singh Sandhu] has an eye for truth and tension that makes him a standout storyteller. I am so proud to be part of this journey once again and excited for the audiences to see what we have in store for them in Vadh 2.”

 

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Director Jaspal Singh Sandhu shared, “Vadh 2 is rooted in the same soul, while exploring deeper human narratives. Collaborating again with Sanjay ji and Neena ji has been a gift. I am grateful to Luv Films for believing in this vision and backing it with heart and I can’t wait for the audience to step into this world we’ve built together.”

Vadh 2 will release in 2025. Earlier this year, the team of Vadh 2 had sought divine blessings for their film at the auspicious Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj, by participating in the sacred holy dip at the Sangam Ghat.

Also Read: Devmanus trailer out: Mahesh Manjrekar and Renuka Shahane shine in gripping Marathi remake of Luv Films’ Vadh

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Esha Verma, daughter of Ashwin Verma and stepdaughter of popular television actress Rupali Ganguly, shared an emotional video on social media following the ongoing public dispute between her and her father’s current wife. The post comes after a legal battle ensued between Esha and Ganguly, who recently filed a Rs. 50 crore defamation suit against her stepdaughter.

In her earlier accusations, Esha alleged that Rupali Ganguly was involved in an affair with her father Ashwin Verma during his marriage to her mother, Sapna Verma. One of Esha’s claims included that Rupali used the same bed in their Los Angeles home that was once shared by her parents before their separation. These allegations triggered widespread attention, prompting Ganguly to take legal action.

In the video posted to her Instagram account on Wednesday, Esha appears visibly distressed and on the verge of tears as she speaks about the emotional toll the controversy has taken on her. “How hard and traumatising something you go through publicly affects someone. Some days you can be okay, and some days you are a complete wreck,” she said. “You get scrutinised for wanting to speak up, and you also get questioned, ‘Where the fu*k did you go?’ When you have your own family, who wants to destroy you for just trying to live her life? I tried to be happy, but we don’t talk about these things.”

In the caption accompanying the video, Esha further elaborated on her struggles. “I was a nepo baby kept in the shadows. I grew up with silence, confusion and pain that wasn’t mine to carry. When the truth came out — expectedly and loudly — I was the one blamed. I was scared. I was unprotected. And instead of being supported, I was shamed. But after months of harassment, I am standing my ground.”

Ashwin Verma, a businessman, was first married to Sapna Verma in 1997. The couple separated in 2008. He later remarried twice before eventually tying the knot with Rupali Ganguly in 2013. Ganguly and Ashwin currently have a 11-year-old son. As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties remain in the public spotlight. Neither Rupali Ganguly nor Ashwin Verma has issued a new public statement following Esha’s recent post.

Also Read: Rupali Ganguly shares peaceful Maha Kumbh experience with family: “We were so mesmerized”

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Smita Vats Sharma, Director General, PIB (Press Information Bureau) West Zone, Dharmendra Tewari, Additional DG, PIB and Sayyid Rabeehashmi, Director, PIB met a select group of journalists on April 16 in Mumbai and informed them about the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which will be held between May 1 and May 4, 2025 at Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai. Also present were PIB Media & Communication Officers Sriyanka Chatterjee and Sonal Tupe.

Before the presentation, Sayyid Rabeehashmi informed the journalists, “We are also expecting ministers from 15-20 foreign countries. We are having this event so that India can be the net exporter of content.”

Smita Vats Sharma added, “We are scheduling a lot of cultural programs during the summit. We’ll have cultural troupes from across the country. Between sessions, if there’s time, there will be performances by them.”

The presentation was presided by Sriyanka Chatterjee who revealed, “The Indian M&E sector is valued at USD 2.96 trillion as of now. It is poised for significant growth, with a potential market size of $50 billion by 2029.”

She also talked about the vision of WAVES, that is, “To position India as an unparalleled global powerhouse in the dynamic Media & Entertainment landscape while setting new standards of creativity, innovation, and influence worldwide.” The mission behind WAVES is, “Empowering global Media & Entertainment leaders with exclusive investment opportunities through the premiere platform of WAVES.”

Sriyanka added that the WAVES Summit is divided into four verticals, covering the various media platforms – Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation and Films.

As for the components of WAVES, she stated that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will have a round table discussion with Top Global CEOs. The first-ever summit of WAVES would also consist of conferences, breakout sessions, exhibitions, WAVEXcelerator (Investment opportunity for Startups in the M&E sector and live pitching sessions), CreatoSphere (a hub for creators) and cultural events. Lastly, similar to the Film Bazaar at IFFI, a Waves Bazaar would be set up.

And that’s not all. There are various competitions and tournaments which will be held at WAVES like the Anime Challenge, Animation Filmmakers Competition, WAVES VFX Competition, Esports Tournament, AI Avatar Creator Challenge, Film Poster Making Competition, Trailer Making Competition, Theme Music Competition, Anti-Piracy Challenge etc. The WAVES team has already received thousands of entries for these various categories.

Sayyid Rabeehashmi added about one more component of WAVES, “The I&B ministers and cultural ministers of prominent countries across the world have been invited to attend Global Media Dialogue on May 2. Here, we plan to discuss the challenges faced in terms of media and technology like copyright violation, rights in terms of using AI etc. We intend to discuss this topic and come up with a uniform policy. We also expect a WAVES declaration that will address the concerns of the content makers and artists and hopefully come up with a beneficial policy.”

He exulted, “In the world of economy, the World Economic Forum held at Davos, Switzerland became an important meeting and discussion point created thanks to the foresight of an economic leader. Similarly, we feel that before any other country takes the initiative, India should come up with a platform where media and entertainment-related issues can be discussed and addressed.”

Starry presence at WAVES
Sriyanka Chatterjee listed out the names of prominent personalities who are a part of the advisory board. These are actors Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Diljit Dosanjh, Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Chiranjeevi and Hema Malini. Others from the film industry who are also on the board are Bhushan Kumar, A R Rahman, Ekta Kapoor, S S Rajamouli, Shekhar Kapur and Asha Bhosle.

The rest of advisory board members are Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, Serum Institute of India CEO and majority stakeholder in Dharma Productions Adar Poonawalla, PVR Inox Managing Director Ajay Bijli, late Vinod Khanna’s wife Kavita Vinod Khanna, Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Prime Video and Amazon Studios Head Mike Hopkins, Prime Focus and DNEG Founder and CEO Namit Malhotra, Sony Pictures Entertainment President and CEO Ravi Ahuja, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Alphabet Inc and Google CEO Sunday Pichai and Netflix CEO Theodore Sarandos.

Smita Vats Sharma said, “Our advisory board has people from media and entertainment. We are hoping that they’ll attend the summit. We also have an A R Rahman concert on May 3 at DY Patil Stadium. He’s also a part of the advisory board.”

As per an article in The Economic Times dated April 12, Theodore Sarandos and Mike Hopkins are among the headline speakers. As per the WAVES website, the list of confirmed speakers includes YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud, Sony Group Corporation CEO Hiroki Totoki, Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, Game of Thrones producer Vince Gerardis etc.

To conclude
With an unprecedented confluence of global media leaders, entertainment stalwarts, tech innovators, and cultural icons, WAVES is not just a summit—it’s India’s resounding declaration to the world that it is ready to lead the Media & Entertainment revolution. As the world tunes in from May 1 to 4, 2025, at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai, the stage is set for transformative dialogue, groundbreaking collaboration, and a celebration of creativity that could redefine the future of global content.

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Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT), a popular storytelling platform under Collective Artists Network, has teamed up with actor Rashmika Mandanna to launch Rashmika & Ru (R&R)—a new original IP aimed at sharing positive and uplifting stories online.

At the heart of this initiative is Ru, an animated character inspired by Rashmika Mandanna’s personality—reflecting warmth, kindness, and emotional connection. Rashmika & Ru (R&R) aims to offer a gentle pause from the constant scroll of online content, bringing simple, feel-good moments to the digital space.

The journey begins with a tender and deeply relatable comic series that celebrates everyday companionship, feeling your feelings, and showing up for your people. From moments of quiet reassurance to joyful bursts of laughter, R&R is a gentle nudge toward compassion—inward and outward.

“As a person, I believe in joy and kindness as pillars, and Ru is an extension of me to the audience to spread that message—for us to be kinder to ourselves as well as others,” said Rashmika Mandanna. “I’ve always loved the content TTT puts out, and they felt like the most obvious and perfect collaborators to bring this to life. I’m so excited for what we’ve created together.”

With TTT’s celebrated narrative sensibilities and Rashmika’s uniquely uplifting presence, Rashmika & Ru is set to become a cultural touchstone for those seeking moments of light in the everyday.

“We’ve always believed in the power of emotionally honest storytelling to shape culture and conversations,” said Anuj Gosalia, Founder of Terribly Tiny Tales. “With Rashmika, we’ve created a character that’s more than just joyful—Ru stands for realness, warmth, and the kind of comfort we all need in today’s fast-scrolling world. R&R is our collective reminder that gentle is powerful.”

Also Read : Rashmika Mandanna honoured as ‘India’s Sweetheart’ on Open Magazine’s 2025 cover

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Music maestro AR Rahman has addressed recent criticism directed at him by playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who accused the composer of replacing traditional musicians with computer-based technology. In a candid interview with India Today, Rahman clarified his position and offered a glimpse into the extensive musical collaborations that continue to define his work.

Abhijeet had claimed that Rahman’s preference for digital tools has led to a significant reduction in opportunities for old-school musicians. In response, Rahman maintained that while he does use technology to streamline certain aspects of the music-making process, it has never been at the cost of genuine musicianship. “It’s nice to blame me for everything. I still love Abhijeet, and I would send cakes to him. Also, it’s his opinion, and there’s nothing wrong with having one,” Rahman said with characteristic calm.

He went on to detail his efforts to support musicians on a large scale. “I recently set up an orchestra with 60 women in Dubai. They are being employed every month and are being paid insurance, health, and everything. In every movie that I do, be it Chhaava or Ponniyin Selvan, there are close to 200-300 musicians involved, and some songs have more than 100 people working on them. I don’t show off or post photos with them, and thus no one gets to know about it.”

Rahman emphasized that live music remains central to his compositions, even as computers are used as part of the creative process. “The more you refine in music, the more you start to appreciate live music. Computers are used as a tool to design extraordinary harmonies and everything. We cannot afford to get musicians to play and reject them later. All the rejections need to be in the soft part, and all finals are always recorded live.”

Dismissing the notion that technology replaces talent, Rahman made it clear that his intent has always been to blend the best of both worlds while being cost-efficient. “One can go to any producers I have worked with to check on how many musicians we get,” he added.

Also Read: Abhijeet Bhattacharya backs Udit Narayan amid kiss controversy: “Let him enjoy his success! He’s a romantic singer”

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