After its debut edition in India earlier this year that left music lovers truly mesmerised, the globally acclaimed electronic music festival, ZAMNA returns for yet another edition to take place in Mumbai on March 29 and Delhi on March 30. Curated and promoted by Paradox, district by Zomato and WMS Entertainment, this next chapter of ZAMNA promises to elevate India’s techno music scene to a new level. Earlier this year, ZAMNA came to India for the first time, bringing with it a little slice of paradise that is Tulum to Delhi and Mumbai. With over 12,000 fans captivated by its infectious energy, the festival left an indelible mark on the country’s soundscape. Now, following this extraordinary success, ZAMNA returns with a promise to be even bigger, bolder and better. Expect a sublime production featuring custom-designed lighting, cutting-edge sound design and stunning visuals that will collectively invoke a primal, jungle-inspired ambience. Furthermore, with a line-up of some of the most celebrated names in the international techno scene - artists and DJs who have headlined ZAMNA’s previous editions in Tulum - fans can dive into the festival’s unmistakable electric vibe. Sharing his excitement, Stefano Laporta, Founder of ZAMNA said, “It’s an honour to bring ZAMNA back to India for 2025. India’s vibrant music community inspires us, and this year, we’re creating an experience that celebrates unity through music, art, and unforgettable moments.” Varun Khare, head of events, district by Zomato said, “We are thrilled that India will host a second edition of ZAMNA after its monumental success last year. Partnering with Paradox and WMS Entertainment enables us to present this popular culture electronic movement to Indian audiences, further enriching the country’s dynamic music scene. For fans of electronic dance music, this is an unmissable event; an opportunity to experience the genre on a truly international scale.” Akshat Kumar, co-founder, WMS, stated, “Together with district by Zomato and Paradox, we’re excited to bring ZAMNA to India for yet another year. This time, we aim to make it a larger-than-ever celebration of the finest in dance music. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to craft a memorable experience for all attendees and continue the magic of ZAMNA. Let’s bring the spirit of Tulum to India!”Karan Narang, founder, Paradox stated, “Bringing ZAMNA back to India for 2025 fills us with pride and excitement. After last year’s incredible response, we’re raising the bar with our partners district by Zomato and WMS. ZAMNA India 2025 promises an even more immersive celebration of dance music, offering unparalleled experiences and redefining how we connect with sound and art. We can’t wait to share the magic once again.” Born in the heart of Tulum, Mexico - a city that has its roots in the Mayan civilization, ZAMNA is more than just a festival. It’s an immersive experience, where music, nature and art blend together for an unparalleled atmosphere of community and celebration, attracting attendees from over 120 countries every year. Music festival attendees can book their tickets now on district by Zomato and Insider.
14 December,2024 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBryan Adams received an electrifying reception as he returned to the city, for the first time since his 2018 visit. He kicked off his performance with fan-favourites 'Kick Ass' and 'Please Forgive Me', while sharing memories about his first performance in Mumbai. It was 1993, and the Canadian singer-songwriter shared, "There was nobody to pick us up at the airport, so I took a cab with Keith (Scott). After some time, the driver stopped, and we asked him what had happened. He looked at me and pointed ahead—an elephant was falling asleep on the road." SEE PHOTOS: Bryan Adams enthralls Mumbaikars with immersive performanceWhenever Adams shares this story with his friends, they always respond, "Yeah, right." He went on to share that this is how it used to be, but he's not sure if it's the same anymore in India. "I love the memory, and those are the things that keep me coming back to India. This trip has been so wonderful." Adams, who is visiting Mumbai for the sixth time, is in the city as part of his seven-city 'So Happy It Hurts' India tour. He performed at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon to a packed arena, delighting the crowd with fan favourites like 'Heaven' and 'Summer of 69', and even 'Whats Love Got To Do With It' and 'Blue Suede Shoes'. SEE PHOTOS: 5 Bryan Adams songs you need to listen to before his Mumbai concert today
14 December,2024 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoA time for holiday cheer, and family, the Christmas season is among the many festivities centred around a table of indulgent food. During this time, savouring a feast with our loved ones is a long-held tradition. No matter the occasion, no gathering is complete without breaking bread. To elevate your dining experience this festive season, we delve into the world of tablescaping: the art of setting a table in a visually appealing and functional way. “Tablescaping is not merely about setting a table. It's about creating an ambiance, a mood, an experience that elevates the entire dining occasion, and curating an atmosphere where every element of the table reflects thoughtfulness and intention, thus deepening the connection between the host and the guests,” shares Krsnaa Mehta, founder and design director, India Circus. To transform your tables, we’ve got experts to share tips and tricks to help you curate the ambient sensory dining experience that your guests will applaud and cherish for days to come. 5 basic elements of tablescaping Before you start setting up your table, there are some fundamental elements in tablescaping that you must familiarise yourself with. These work together to create a visually appealing and functional dining setting that are central to all occasions. Mehta outlines five key elements below: 1. Table linen: A well-chosen tablecloth, placemats, or runners set the stage and establish the colour palette or theme. 2. Dinnerware: Plates, bowls, and glasses should harmonise with the theme but also serve as a visual anchor. The choice of porcelain, ceramic, or glassware can define the formality and mood of the setting. 3. Flatware and glassware: The arrangement of utensils and glasses should not only be practical but balanced. Fine crystal glasses can introduce sophistication, while modern or casual settings might lean toward simpler, but still considered, pieces. 4. Centerpiece: This is the heart of any tablescape. Whether floral arrangements, candles, or sculptural objects, a centerpiece should complement the theme without overwhelming the space. 5. Lighting: Proper lighting, whether through candles, chandeliers, or ambient lighting—adds warmth and intimacy, softening the atmosphere and encouraging conversation. Creating a personalised tablescape for special events A personalised tablescape can not only enhance the dining experience for your guests, but also be an elegant reflection of your personal style. The attention to detail can spark conversation among guests, and offers opportunity to take aesthetic photographs. Anandita Kothari, founder of Plate and Peonie, recommends leaning into your creativity to curate personalised tablescapes for special occasions. “Don’t shy away from your personality. Your tablescape is a canvas for creativity- try to play around with textures, prints and colours,” says Kothari. Below, she shares six expert tips to help you personalise your celebrations: 1. Pick a theme or colour palette in alignment with your personality Try to incorporate your favourite colours into your tablescape whether it be neutrals, bold colours, or pastels! For special occasions, choose colours or themes that suit the occasion, like romantic blush tones for anniversaries or bold gold and black for milestone birthdays. 2. Use personal sentiments on the tableAdd a touch of nostalgia with items that have been in your home- vintage cutlery, handcrafted items, unique pieces from across the globe. 3. Feature a signature centrepieceFor floral arrangements, use blooms, herbs or foliage to resonate with your personal style. Design a statement centrepiece, with the guest of honour's favourite flowers or themed accessories that tie into the occasion. 4. Personalise place settingsAdd custom name cards, small mementos, or thoughtful quotes at each place setting to make guests feel extra special. Remember, this attention to detail makes your tablescape uniquely yours. 5. Incorporate keepsake decorUse small, themed items that guests can take home as keepsakes, like mini champagne bottles or personalised candles. 6. Set the mood with lightingUse candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to create ambiance. Warm lighting can instantly elevate the setting and add to the celebration's atmosphere. Crafting a scented tablescape Often overlooked, fragrance can be a gamechanger when it comes to providing an immersive sensory experience. Adding fragrance can evoke nostalgia besides complementing the visual aesthetic. “Fragrances speak volumes about a person’s style and personality. For sizable get-togethers, or grand occasions, select fragrances reminiscent of summer glow, tender coconut, fresh breeze, and warm vanilla that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Floral and earthy blends like rose and patchouli evoke romantic and intimate moments, while bright citrus notes like mandarin can add a burst of freshness and positive energy to any gathering, uplifting the mood and creating an inviting vibe throughout your space,” poses Arushi Agrawal, founder of Seva Home. She shares tips to help you craft a fragrant tablescape and create a welcoming atmosphere. 1. Begin with a brass urli half-filled with water, and float freshly picked marigolds along with scented tea lights for a gentle, serene touch. 2. Add candles with intricate designs and gold accents to bring a sense of cultural heritage to your setting. 3. Opt for fragrances with rich, woody, and floral notes to fill the space with a divine, soothing aroma. 4. For a cohesive look, play with pastels, metallic finishes, and soft floral touches around the centrepiece. 5. Incorporating a variety of home fragrances, such as candles, diffusers, and room sprays, will allow you to enhance the atmosphere and transform your tablescape into a truly scented sanctuary. What are some common tablescaping mistakes to avoid? Since there are multiple elements involved; decision making can be overwhelming while setting up your perfect table. To steer you clear of oversights, Mehta believes there are a few common missteps to be mindful of: 1. Overcrowding the tableWhile it's tempting to use many decorative items, clutter can detract from the beauty of the meal itself. Always remember that the food should be the focal point. A clean, elegant space allows the food and the conversation to take centre stage. 2. Ignoring practicalityThe best-designed tablescapes are also functional. If your centrepiece is too tall or obstructs guests’ views, or if the silverware is not easily accessible, the experience becomes less enjoyable. Think of your guests' comfort first. 3. Inconsistent theme or colour paletteA mismatch of colours, textures, and materials can create a chaotic visual experience. Stick to a cohesive palette or design language that reflects the occasion and creates harmony. 4. Neglecting the small detailsSmall touches—such as a well-chosen napkin fold or a unique table number—can bring everything together. Overlooking these details is often the difference between a good tablescape and a great one. 5. Overusing trendsTrends can be fun, but they can also age quickly. It’s best to incorporate them sparingly or to choose timeless elements with just a hint of current style to keep your tablescape both fresh and enduring. Also Read: With real estate prices rising, is micro-dining the future in Mumbai?
13 December,2024 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalBryan Adams is all set to perform in Mumbai as a part of his 'So Happy It Hurts' India tour today at NESCO Centre in Goregaon. The last time the Canadian-origin singer-songwriter was in Mumbai was in October 2018. Coming to the country after six years on a five-city tour, Mumbaikars will be eager to watch the rocker live. Ahead of the concert, they express their excitement: Sanju ShibuEver since I head 'Summer of 69' in college, I did not know a lot of his songs for a really long time. And then one day I came across “Everything I do” and OMG, I could not believe that these two songs are by the same artist. Since then I wanted to attend his concert. So no I have not seen him before but I’m very excited to see how energetic he still is. I mean he is 65? Who would believe that? Karen Fernandes I think Bryan Adams is an integral part of every Catholic household. So I think it’s safe to say I was raised on his music. We learnt to dance on tracks like Summer of 69, Heaven, Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, Look Into My Eyes. Watching him live feels like a full circle moment. And the best part is that I get to see this with my best friends. A CORE MEMORY at every level! 18 TILL I DIE INDEED! Caryn Putman I’ve grown up listening to Bryan Adams music. Summer of 69 may be a cliché now, but it was one of the first songs I downloaded on my first Sony Ericsson Walkman phone! Some of my best memories are singing along to his tunes with a bunch of friends! I am equal parts nostalgic and excited to be going for this concert with some of the people who I share these special memories with! Diane DuttonAs a proud ‘90s kid, Bryan Adams’ music has been the soundtrack of my youth and beyond. Growing up, his music echoed in our home every Sunday morning while my parents cooked together. I’ve never missed a chance to see him perform live in India, and each show feels like reliving the best days of my life. His music is evergreen and I’m absolutely thrilled to witness the maestro himself back on stage! Shanice FerreiraBryan Adams has performed in India multiple times but never had the chance or budget to watch him live. I've been performing his songs such as Everything I Do and Heaven on piano during my sets as a pianist and I'm extremely excited and lucky to finally get to watch him live.
13 December,2024 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThe musical show ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ will unfold its 300th exhibition in the national capital, Delhi in February after the Mumbai exhibition from January 9 to January 26. The musical follows the timeless love story of Prince Salim and Anarkali, featuring 12 iconic compositions from the original film. The show is directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, and has captivated audiences with over 275 performances across eight countries since its debut in 2016. The musical will unfold in Mumbai at NMACC from January 9 to January 26, 2025 followed by a show in Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 13. Also Read: Award-winning theatrical ‘Life of Pi’ debuts in India; premieres at NMACC in Mumbai Talking about the show, Feroz Abbas Khan said, "For our milestone 300th performance, we had to come to Delhi as the audience here has unfailingly showered us with extraordinary warmth and love. What has remained unchanged since the time we started staging the musical is how it not only evokes nostalgia but also renews appreciation across generations for our rich artistic heritage. The musical play has grown to be more than just a musical entertainer and is now recognised as a cultural landmark and this speaks volumes for the essence of K Asif’s masterpiece, which continues to captivate even after 65 years”. He further mentioned, “This story magically transcends all barriers to be embraced by a diverse audience across the world. During our most recent season in North America, our flash mob performance at New York's Times Square went instantly viral and we were overwhelmed by the effusive response of those who just stopped in their tracks to watch and applaud us”. The show features over 550 exquisite costumes, majestic sets, live singing, and dazzling Kathak choreography, and is celebrated as one of the most extravagant in the history of Indian theatre. It is produced by Deepesh Salgia under the patronage of Shapoorji Pallonji. Deepesh Salgia says, "When we started this journey, we, at Shapoorji Pallonji, just wanted to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of the most masterful achievements of Indian cinema. However, with time, the production has grown to be celebrated as a theatrical masterpiece in its own right. We have travelled all over the world with this musical and everywhere we go its multilayered story and grand production have captivated audiences and made them laugh, sing and cry. Delhi is one of our favourite cities and we are thrilled to stage our 300th performance for the audience here”.
13 December,2024 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSCanadian rock legend Bryan Adams is all set to take the stage in Mumbai today as a part of his ‘So Happy It Hurts' World Tour. The singer-songwriter kicked off the six-city India tour on December 8 in Kolkata. After enthralling audiences in Kolkata, Shillong and Gurugram, he is now here to make Mumbai fans sway to his classics. At the show, attendees can expect to hear his iconic songs like ‘Summer Of '69’, ‘Everything I Do, I Do It For You’, ‘Please Forgive Me’, ‘Run To You’, ‘18 Till I Die’ as well as an introduction to his Grammy-nominated 2022 album ‘So Happy It Hurts’ that shares a name with the tour. The carefully curated setlist will allow fans to relive the nostalgic days of roaring guitars and soaring vocals sprinkled with fresh energy of Adams' latest hits, catering to both longtime patrons and those discovering his music for the first time. Bryan Adams Mumbai concert time, venue and tickets Adams will perform at NESCO Centre, Goregaon. The whole concert will span three hours, from 7 PM to 10 PM. The tickets for his Mumbai concert are sold out. How to reach: The nearest local train station is Ram Mandir on the Western Line. You can also reach the venue directly by road. Bryan Adams and Mumbai This is Adams’ sixth visit to India, and he has a special connection to Mumbai. In an interview with mid-day.com, he had said, “My favourite memory of India is the first concert. We played in Mumbai in 1993. It was an absolutely packed cricket ground, and they had divided the ground in half with wooden posts, so on one side you had the audience, many of whom were in the traditional costumes, and on the other side of the wooden fence was the cricket club... drinking tea.” Also Read: Bryan Adams India tour 2024: 'My favourite memory of India is playing in Mumbai in 1993 in a packed cricket ground' About Bryan Adams’ ‘So Happy It Hurts’ India Tour This multi-city India tour is an extension of the musician’s global tour across USA, UK, Europe and Canada. Adams is touring in support of his 15th studio Grammy nominated album which comprised 12 rock anthems and powerful ballads. This tour marks his sixth visit to India - the 1993-1994 tour was followed by multi-city gigs in 2001, 2006, 2011 with his last outing being with the Ultimate Tour in 2018. After Mumbai, Adams will perform in the following cities: Saturday, December 14 - Bengaluru Monday, December 16 - Hyderabad Tuesday, December 17 - Goa
13 December,2024 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRise up for Equality, a theatre festival dedicated to creating a safer and more equitable Maharashtra, is returning to Mumbai this weekend. Spearheaded by ace theatre personality Raell Padamsee’s Create Foundation in collaboration with actress Lushin Dubey, this event blends powerful storytelling with a pressing call for societal change. Through compelling theatre performances, the festival will spotlight the urgent need for women’s safety and empowerment. In the previous edition, Padamsee had partnered with the Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Government, and the Judiciary to amplify the initiative’s impact. In a symbolic moment, the theatre ace had presented a specially-crafted ‘103 Rakhee’ to Vivek Phansalkar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, underscoring the importance of the 103 helpline number. This vital service, supported by the Mumbai Police’s Nirbhaya Squad, ensures swift assistance to women in distress, with a response time of mere minutes. Over two evenings, the festival will bring performances that delve deep into narratives of resilience, justice, and the unyielding spirit of women. Padamsee, the creative force behind this initiative, underscores the festival’s purpose, stating, “With each passing year, through the ‘Rise Up for Equality’ festival, we aim to spark meaningful conversations, inspire change, and make Maharashtra a beacon of safety and empowerment for women and children.” She further adds, “The festival is not just a series of performances; it’s a call to action. True social and attitudinal change can only be achieved when civil society comes together, united by a common goal. It is through collective action that we can create a lasting impact, leaving behind a legacy of equality, safety, and empowerment for future generations. This is the world we must strive to build for our children and grandchildren. We invite the audience to join hands with us in making Mumbai the safest city in the world for women and children.” Show details When: December 14 and 15; 7 PM On Saturday, December 14, Lushin Dubey will present ‘Untitled,’ a solo performance inspired by Vijay Dan Detha’s ‘Nyari Nyari Maryada’ and Nobel Laureate Dario Fo’s Medea. The story follows a Rajasthani queen who dares to break free from age-old traditions to claim her identity, embodying defiance against patriarchal norms. On Sunday, December 15t, the stage will come alive with ‘Aruna’s Story,’ a deeply moving tribute written by Pinky Virani and enacted by Dubey. Based on the harrowing yet inspiring true story of Aruna Shanbaug, the play chronicles the nurse’s fight for justice after a brutal attack that left her in a coma for 42 years. Aruna’s ordeal spurred landmark legal reforms in India, including the discourse around passive euthanasia. Where: Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Breach Candy Tickets on: BookMyShow Also Read: From food to sports: Explore these unique events in Mumbai this weekend
13 December,2024 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Union culture ministry has planned to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj to showcase the country's rich, spiritual and cultural heritage during the upcoming Maha Kumbh, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said. The Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Interacting with mediapersons at his residence on Thursday, Shekhawat, who holds the culture and the tourism portfolios, said the culture ministry aimed to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj for which an area measuring 10.24 acres had been allocated at Nagvasuki. "A Ganga pandal with a capacity of 10,000 people will be set up by the mela authority where celebrity performances will be held," the ministry said in a statement. Three stage pandals with a 4,000-audience capacity each at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil, as well as a 1,000-capacity amphitheatre at Kalagram, will showcase the emerging Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees, National School of Drama productions, and zonal cultural centre ensembles, it said. Besides, 20 stages will be constructed throughout the city, which will be equally distributed between the Uttar Pradesh government's culture department and the culture ministry. Sharing data on tourists, the Union tourism ministry said the sector created 76.17 million (direct and indirect) jobs in 2022-2023, compared to 69.56 million in 2013-2014. In 2023, foreign exchange earnings from tourism were USD 28.07 billion against USD 19.69 billion in 2014, registering a growth of 42.53 per cent, it said. The number of foreign tourist arrivals in India during 2023 rose to 95 lakh from 77 lakh in 2014, registering a growth of 23.96 per cent. India saw 250 crore domestic tourist visits in 2023, an increase of 95.64 per cent from 123 crore in 2014, it added. India's ranking in the global Travel and Tourism Development Index improved from 65th in 2014 to 39th in 2024. In 2022, India ranked sixth globally in terms of tourism's contribution to national GDP. Highlighting a series of "achievements" and ongoing initiatives taken by the ministries of culture and tourism, Shekhawat said the more than 10-year tenure of the Narendra Modi government had been driven by a "steadfast commitment to realising the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi'". The minister also said that under Modi's leadership, "revolutionary reforms" had taken place in the fields of culture and tourism, "benefiting Indians not only socio-economically but also intellectually". Also Read: Luxury tent city to be set up in Uttar Pradesh for Mahakumbh 2025 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 December,2024 09:47 AM IST | Prayagraj | IANSAmerican actor and singer Selena Gomez announced her engagement to her boyfriend Benny Blanco earlier today. The couple have been dating since 2023 and the announcement is a huge cause of happiness for Selena's fans. While her fans may know everything about them, there is so much more that many others may not know about Blanco, including his success as a singer-songwriter, and even music producer for some really popular singers, musicians and bands. Songwriting Benny Blanco started his career in 2007 mentored by songwriter and music producer Dr Luke. During this time, he wrote and produced the likes of Kesha's TiK ToK, Taio Cruz's 'Dynamite' and even Britney Spears's 'Circus', which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Blanco even wrote and Maroon 5's 'Moves Like Jagger' and 'Payphone' and Gym Class Heroes's 'Stereo Hearts'. Artists Over the last 17 years, he has worked with many artists including the likes of BTS, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Camilla Cabello, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande and even Selena Gomez. Working with them has also made him get as many as 29 songs on number 1. MusicWhile he released a collaborative EP in 2007 with Baltimore rappers Spank Rock called Spank Rock and Benny Blanco Are...Bangers & Cash, he released his own song 'Eastside' with Halsey and Khalid in 2018. The song which is hugely popular even peaked on Billboard Hot 100 at number 9. In the same year, Blanco released his second 'I Found You' with Calvin Harris, third one called 'Better to Lie' with Jesse and Swae Lee, and fourth single 'Roses' with Juice Wrld featuring Brendon Urie. In 2019, he also released 'I Found You/Nilda's Story' with Calvin Harris and Miguel in support of asylum seekers in the US. In the same year, he also released 'I Can't Get Enough' with Tainy, Selena Gomez, and J Balvin. A year later, he released 'Lonely' with Justin Bieber, followed by 'Bad Decisions' with BTS members Jin, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook as well as Snoop Dogg. Most recently, he released 'Lace It' with Eminem in 2023. Television showsIn 2020, Blanco also produced a show for his YouTube channel with chef Matty Matheson called 'Matty and Benny Eat Out America' and another one with Matheson called 'Stupid F*cking Cooking Show' in 2021. Books Keeping his interest in food, Blanco also released a book 'Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends' in April 2024 with his own recipes and advice from friends.
12 December,2024 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe year 2024 was a remarkable year for India, marked by an explosion of creativity and innovation on Instagram that resonated globally. At the Meta Festival in Mumbai, we shared Instagram’s 2024 Year-in-Review. India goes global and the world goes desi Instagram was abuzz with exciting global collaborations, featuring Indian artists teaming up with international stars to create mesmerising music. These partnerships not only showcased the diversity of Indian talent but also highlighted the universal language of music. Some notable collaborations included Diljit Dosanjh’s collaboration with American rapper Saweetie for the song ‘Khutti’, King’s collaboration with American artist Nick Jonas for the song ‘Maan Meri Jaan’ and Harsh Likhari’s collaboration with Canadian artist Connor Price for the song ‘Customs’. In a fascinating turn of events, the world continued to go desi, with Indian trends going global. The Asoka makeup trend was one such example, with creators in countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Slovakia trying it out. Creators in Japan were also lip-syncing to dialogues from Bollywood movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Furthermore, foreign creators like Drew Hicks and Agu Stanley created content in Indian languages, showcasing how the world is embracing all things desi.Regional Music Fueled A Creative Explosion From chart-topping hits to regional favourites, the country’s diverse musical landscape was on full display. While tracks like ‘Big Dawgs’ and ‘Taambdi Chaambdi’ got global attention, regional music drove a lot of national cheer. Haryanvi track ‘Jale 2’, Punjabi track ‘Ve Haaniyaan’, Marathi track like ‘Gulabi Sadi’, Tamil track ‘Aasa Kooda’, and Bhojpuri track ‘Bandookk’, drive 9.7 million, 3.9 million, 3.8 million, 1.8 million and 1.7 million reels respectively. Other breakaway music included ‘Tauba Tauba’ from the movie ‘Bad Newz’, ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ from the movie ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Nadaaniyan’ by Akshath Acharya. These tracks had 3 million, 2.3 million, and 2.2 million reels created with them respectively. A year of entertainment: From nostalgic re-releases to new blockbustersMovies and TV shows capture the zeitgeist of the times like no other, and 2024 seemed like the year of embracing both old favorites and new releases. The re-release of movies like Rockstar and Laila Majnu brought back memories for many, while the 30th anniversary of the iconic series FRIENDS was celebrated by fans worldwide. The ever-expanding memes from the movie Hera Pheri continued to entertain audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of these beloved titles. Among the new releases, the third season of the series Mirzapur and Panchayat, as well as Laapataa Ladies, received widespread acclaim for its talent and Oscar entry. These shows captivated audiences with their engaging storylines and memorable characters. Celebrating a year of diverse triumphs Indians continued to demonstrate their unrelenting enthusiasm for sports, with each passing year witnessing a growing diversity in their interests. This year was no exception, as the nation came together to cheer on their favorite teams and athletes across various disciplines. This year the nation undeniably cheered the Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup, they also celebrated Olympians such as Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra, and toasted to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) win at the first Women’s Premier League. Trailblazers who captivated India this yearEvery year, a new crop of talented individuals emerges from the shadows to capture the nation’s attention. These rising stars are not overnight sensations, but rather talented individuals who have been honing their craft for years. An unexpected turn of events catapulted them to national recognition, and 2024 was no exception. These trailblazers were Hanumankind, Nancy Tyagi, Dolly Chai Wala, and the Vada Pao Girl, whose unique talents and personalities left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
12 December,2024 04:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA day after an email with the subject line ‘Update on Stress Survey Results’, reportedly sent by an Indian beauty and wellness platform went viral for stating that it would “part ways with employees who indicated significant stress”, the company has now released a statement on LinkedIn. The company stated the following: “No one was fired at Yes Madam, We sincerely apologize for any distress caused by recent social media posts suggesting we dismissed employees for being stressed. Let us be clear: We would never take such an inhuman step. Our team is like our family, and their dedication, hard work, and passion, are the foundation of our successes. The social media posts were a planned effort to highlight a serious issue of workplace stress. And to those who shared angry comments or voiced strong opinions, we say Thank You. When people speak up, it shows they care – and care is at the heart of our business.” The three-page long statement clarifies the whole issue and even shares how they have helped the employees. It also states how they are going to “rewrite the narrative” by introducing different kinds of policies. However, they faced flak for this post from many users on social media. While one LinkedIn user said, “Companies need to understand when to draw the line. Not everything is a 'marketing campaign'”, another shared, “Whoever approved this stupid PR stunt should probably fire themselves” and even “Such people think doing such rubbish PR will help them to get eyeballs. But you received hatred” by another user. After the post went viral on December 9, many users criticised it but there were others who also rightly pointed out that it looks like a PR stunt.
10 December,2024 02:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
