In a music culture where trends shift overnight and attention spans are shorter than a breakdown, Zulfi Syed has done something quietly remarkable. He has built a sound that people do not just dance to. They feel it. Part actor, part supermodel, part DJ and music producer, Zulfi defies easy categorization, and that, it turns out, is exactly the point.

The sound that started something

Ask anyone familiar with India’s premium nightlife circuit and the name DJ Zulfi lands with instant recognition. He is the architect behind what he calls Bolly Tech and Afro Bolly, two signature styles that have carved out a distinct space in an increasingly crowded scene.

Bolly Tech takes the familiar warmth of Hindi melodies and pushes them through electronic depth, giving classic Bollywood anthems a future-facing pulse. Afro Bolly does something altogether different, threading percussive, groove-heavy Afro rhythms into the mix and creating something that feels simultaneously rooted and global. The result is a cross-cultural soundscape where your parents’ favourite film songs and a Lagos dance floor somehow make perfect sense together.

“He’s not just playing tracks,” one regular at his sets put it. “He’s telling a story with them.”

Reading the room

What separates a good DJ from a great one is not the playlist. It is the instinct. Zulfi’s most consistent quality, by all accounts, is his ability to read crowd psychology with almost surgical precision. He knows when to build, when to hold back and when to deliver the kind of drop that turns a good night into a great one.

Whether the setting is a packed Mumbai nightclub at 2 a.m., a luxury destination wedding on a terrace in Rajasthan, or a high-profile corporate event in a five-star ballroom, Zulfi approaches each set as a structured, immersive journey. There are no random playlists. There is intention behind every transition, every tempo shift, every moment of release.

This is what has made him a go-to name for India’s most discerning event circuit. Premium venues, elite gatherings and luxury celebrations all demand a certain standard, and Zulfi has quietly become the benchmark.

Beyond the decks

The live performance is only one dimension of what Zulfi is building. As a music producer, he is steadily developing an identity that extends well past the DJ booth. His original tracks and remixes reflect a deep respect for Indian melodic tradition while experimenting boldly with international electronic influences.

Each production is, in its own way, a statement of intent. He is not abandoning Bollywood’s emotional core. He is expanding it, stretching it into new sonic territory without losing what made it meaningful in the first place. For a generation of listeners who grew up on both Shah Rukh Khan and Calvin Harris, that balance is not just appealing. It is genuinely exciting.

His growing digital presence has extended that reach further, bringing his sound to audiences far beyond the venues and events where he made his name.

A new chapter for Bollywood sound

India’s nightlife is globalizing fast. International DJs are touring more frequently, home-grown electronic artists are gaining serious ground and audiences are arriving at events with broader, more sophisticated musical expectations than ever before.

Zulfi Syed sits right at the intersection of all of that. He is not chasing trends but rather absorbing them, processing them through a distinctly Indian lens and giving them back to the crowd in a form that feels both fresh and familiar. That is a harder trick than it sounds.

For traditional Bollywood fans, he elevates the songs they love. For younger audiences craving global energy, he delivers something that feels genuinely current. For the events industry, he brings an atmosphere and a professionalism that is difficult to replicate.

For traditional Bollywood fans, he elevates the songs they love. For younger audiences craving global energy, he delivers something that feels genuinely current. For the events industry, he brings an atmosphere and a professionalism that is difficult to replicate. In a scene that rewards novelty above almost everything else, Zulfi Syed has found a more sustainable edge: the ability to make any room, anywhere, feel like the music was made specifically for that moment.

More about Zulfi Syed, his music and upcoming events can be found at djzulfi.com.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound won Best Film, while Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar led the awards with 14 wins. Yami Gautam and Ranveer Singh won Best Actor honours, and Dhar was named Best Director.

In the OTT segment, Stolen emerged as a major winner, taking home Best OTT Film, Best Director – OTT Film, Best Actor (Male) – OTT Film for Abhishek Banerjee, and Best Script. Sanya Malhotra won Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film for Mrs.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Alia Bhatt with Sunil Grover, Zakir Khan and Saurabh Dwivedi, also featured an In Memoriam tribute.

Dharmendra received the Lifetime Achievement Award, with Bobby Deol accepting it on his behalf.

“I see my father’s love in all your eyes. My father touched everyone’s hearts through his work and even through his Instagram reels, which had become his new hobby.”

“He always wanted people to stay happy and believed that God has given all of us so much in life. He used to say that we all have a special gift within us, and if we believe in it, we can achieve anything.”

For Vrishab, who holds advanced LAMDA qualifications in Devised Drama and Performing Shakespeare and advanced Screen Acting qualification from Trinity College London, the addition of Kalaripayattu is less about fitness and more about craft. He has been mentored in acting by writer-director Shashwat Srivastava, under whom he has performed in ‘Live! From The Warehouse’, a production that toured Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore and is scheduled for a run in London this July.

That experience of sustaining a demanding role across cities and stages appears to have sharpened his appetite for more rigorous physical and mental preparation. He is also set to perform in a production of ‘Julius Caesar’ in London this June.

“Training in Kalaripayattu with my master teacher Dr. Sumesh P.B. has been transformative, helping me mould my body and mind to truly inhabit a character and discipline,” says Vrishab. “It’s about more than just physical stamina. It gives me the focus and flow needed to sustain a performance on stage with total alertness,” he adds.

Dr. Sumesh P.B., who hails from Thrissur in Kerala and has presented demonstrations at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav at the National School of Drama, has spent years bringing authentic Kalaripayattu training to North India. He describes the form as the mother of all martial arts, one that integrates martial practice with Ayurveda, yoga, astrology and spiritual discipline.

For actors specifically, he sees it as essential preparation. “It is not only for flexibility, strength and stamina; it really helps the actor to mould their body for the character,” explains Dr. Sumesh P.B. “Kalaripayattu practice mainly focuses on the harmony of the body and mind,” he specifies.

This is the kind of foundation that suggests Vrishab is thinking seriously about the long game as an actor and performer.

Set to take place on April 5, the awards recognise performances and craft across 31 categories. This year’s list underscores the growing overlap between theatrical releases and OTT films, reflecting evolving audience preferences.

The Screen Academy, comprising over 50 filmmakers and cultural voices, adopted a structured evaluation process, with more than 95% member participation and a scoring system designed to ensure neutrality.

The ceremony will also mark a shift in accessibility, with a live broadcast on YouTube alongside television streaming on Sony Ent. TV and Sony Liv.

Key Nominees:

Best Actor (Male)
• Vicky Kaushal – Chhaava
• Siddhant Chaturvedi – Dhadak 2
• Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar
• Vishal Jethwa – Homebound
• Ishaan Khatter – Homebound
• Manoj Bajpayee – Jugnuma: The Fable
• Adarsh Gourav – Superboys of Malegaon

Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film
• Fatima Sana Shaikh – Aap Jaisa Koi
• Sanya Malhotra – Mrs
• Radhika Apte – Saali Mohabbat
• Saba Azad – Songs of Paradise
• Mia Maelzer – Stolen
• Farida Jalal – The Great Shamsuddin Family
• Shreya Chaudhry – The Mehta Boys

Best Actor (Male) – OTT Film
• Manoj Bajpayee – Inspector Zende
• Abhishek Bachchan – Kaalidhar Laapata
• Nawazuddin Siddiqui – Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders
• Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen
• Shubham Vardhan – Stolen

Best Supporting Actor (Female)
• Divya Dutta – Chhaava
• Sheeba Chadha – Haq
• Shalini Vatsa – Homebound
• Dolly Ahluwalia – Sitaare Zameen Par
• Manjiri Pupala – Superboys of Malegaon

Best Supporting Actor (Male)
• Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar
• Rakesh Bedi – Dhurandhar
• Naseeruddin Shah – Gustaakh Ishq
• Saurabh Shukla – Jolly LLB 3
• Deepak Dobriyal – Jugnuma: The Fable

Best Director
• Laxman Ramchandra Utekar – Chhaava
• Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar
• Suparn S Varma – Haq
• Neeraj Ghaywan – Homebound
• Raam Reddy – The Fable (Jugnuma)
• Mohit Suri – Saiyaara
• Reema Kagti – Superboys of Malegaon

Best Director – OTT Film
• Arati Kadav – Mrs
• Honey Trehan – Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders
• Karan Tejpal – Stolen
• Anusha Rizvi – The Great Shamsuddin Family
• Boman Irani – The Mehta Boys

Best Editing
• Dhurandhar
• Haq
• Homebound
• Saiyaara
• Superboys of Malegaon

Best Film
• Dhadak 2
• Dhurandhar
• Haq
• Homebound
• Saiyaara
• Sitaare Zameen Par
• Superboys of Malegaon
• Chhaava

With its signature scale and reach, T-Series has positioned the song as a strong addition to its growing regional catalogue. ‘Tuj Maari Jindagi’ highlights the effortless synergy between the two singers, whose voices complement each other beautifully, weaving warmth and emotional depth into the melody.

The composition by master composer Mayuresh Pai carries a refined musical sensibility, allowing the song to flow with grace and feeling. The lyrics, penned by Chirag Tripathi, are steeped in romance and sincerity, capturing the essence of love with poetic simplicity. Together, the melody and words create a track that feels intimate yet emotionally powerful.

Adding further richness to Shubham Saurabh’s musical arrangement is the violin by young maestro Manas Kumar and guitar by industry favourite Sanjoy Das. Their musical contributions lend texture and emotional layering, enhancing the overall presentation of the song.

The music video, presented by T-Series, is set within a recording studio and has been aesthetically crafted to focus on expression and chemistry rather than elaborate sets. Directors Pratham Chourasiya and Nayan Pachori have created an engaging visual narrative that keeps viewers connected to the emotional journey of the duet throughout the song.

For Sumeet Tappoo, the Gujarati romantic duet adds another dimension to a repertoire that spans Bollywood, devotional music and international live performances. Recognised as a Bollywood singer known for his melody-driven approach and emotional sincerity, Tappoo has consistently delivered songs that prioritise soulful depth and musical quality. Over the years, he has built a strong presence across languages and genres, while also linking his performances to humanitarian initiatives that support free healthcare causes in India and abroad.

With ‘Tuj Maari Jindagi’, T-Series continues to reinforce its commitment to regional music, bringing together two accomplished voices in a collaboration that showcases romance, melody and refined musical craftsmanship for Gujarati audiences.

Followers often describe a strange familiarity when they see his pictures. They cannot quite place it, but they pause longer than usual. Almost as if something about the images asks them to look twice. The stillness, the focus, and the restraint create a sense that every frame is intentional. We are living in times of oversharing, but his minimalism stands out!! On top of that, the consistency in his visual tone makes people remember him even if they do not realise it immediately.

What makes the intrigue stronger is that the persona does not feel accidental. There is a performer’s discipline and a quietly surprising intensity in the way he holds expressions. You can sense thought behind the stillness. Even candid shots look considered. Indeed, industry observers say this usually points to training rather than chance.

That assumption holds weight. The young talent has formally studied acting at the New York Film Academy in California, where he trained in screen craft, body language, and camera presence. Moreover, those familiar with his journey say he values preparation and believes serious training builds long-term credibility. In other words, what shows up in a photograph often reflects hours of unseen work!! Beyond that, he is said to focus on observation and practice, two habits many seasoned actors rely on.

For now, he has allowed the mystery to breathe. His presence is growing quietly, drawing interest. The progression appears natural, with each glimpse adding a little more to his on-screen persona. Not only that, the absence of overexposure seems to be working in his favour, keeping curiosity alive.

The face behind the growing Instagram buzz is actor Yuvraj Singh. With professional training in place and a slowly building recall among viewers, Yuvraj represents a new kind of actor who places strong emphasis on preparation and craft.

Equally important, observers note that Yuvraj Singh’s journey carries early hints of a Bollywood connection, the kind that often begins with intrigue and gradually finds its moment.

The Indonesian screening in Jakarta drew cultural interest and official attention, reinforcing the film’s positioning as a cinematic tribute to love, heritage and shared human values. The film, inspired by the legendary love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, presents the origins of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most recognised monuments of love.

Speaking around the Indonesian premiere, Culture Minister Fadli Zon highlighted the role of cinema as a medium of cultural diplomacy, noting that films carry elements of language, music, literature, performance, cuisine and fashion. He described cinema as a bridge between cultures and an effective way to introduce national heritage to international audiences.

Filmmaker Akbar Khan said the growing international reception of the film is extremely encouraging. He noted that the Taj Mahal remains a universal symbol of love and that the film aims to share Indian history and emotion with global viewers. According to him, each overseas screening adds a new cultural connection between countries.

The Indonesia premiere follows the film’s Malaysia launch a week ago, where it was screened in the presence of the prime minister of Malaysia and many top dignitaries and received a heartening response. With back-to-back premieres in Southeast Asia, the film is building momentum for a wider global rollout.

The makers plan further international screenings as the film travels to more territories, carrying its themes of love, peace and cultural heritage to diverse audiences.

Vrishab Wig is part of a new generation that is treating acting not as a hobby, but as a discipline. At an age when many are still testing interests, he has already chosen his lane and committed to it with focus. Those who meet him notice calm confidence and preparation. He speaks about performance the way athletes speak about sport, as something to be trained for, studied and refined. Those who have watched his performances often note his focus and intensity.

His exposure has come early and meaningfully. He has performed in two full-length Shakespeare productions in the UK, ‘Romeo, Juliet & ETC’ and ‘The Twelfth Night Fever’. Working on Shakespeare has strengthened his command over language, timing and emotional control, tools that often separate a trained actor from an average one.

His training record is equally focused. Vrishab completed the three-year Performers Course and the Shakespeare Summer Program India-UK in 2024 and 2025, along with the Screen Acting For Young Actors programme at Joy Of Drama. He has attended workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe and LAMDA.

Academics remain a strong pillar in his journey. Studying at a well-reputed school in New Delhi, he secured a distinction in his Class 10 IGCSE examinations and is serving as a Model United Nations and Round Square representative for his school. His acting qualifications include LAMDA Grade 8 in Devised Drama, LAMDA Shakespeare Level 3, and Trinity College London Screen Level 3 with distinction, a combination that reflects uncommon structured training for a seventeen-year-old performer.

Now, Vrishab is making a notable mark in theatre with the play ‘Live! From The Warehouse’, where Aryaman Krishna Aggarwal is the co-actor. The production has been performed in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore and the United Kingdom. The story follows two seventeen-year-old classmates who hide in an abandoned warehouse after a prank reel involving a stolen gun spirals out of control. With police chasing them and a school drug dealer on their trail, they begin filming themselves, turning fear into content. The story reflects a contemporary generation that often lives through the lens.

The play is written and directed by Shashwat Srivastava, a writer-director, composer and advertising creative with over 15 years of experience. A co-founder of Actor Factor Theatre Company and Joy Of Drama, he has created noted stage productions, composed music for films and documentaries, and won advertising honours including the Abbys, MAA Globes and Effies. An alumnus of IIMC New Delhi, he brings both creative and strategic depth to his work.

For Vrishab Wig, performing under such direction and mentorship is more than another credit. It is a learning ground. Audiences today are witnessing a young actor in formation, building range, stamina, intensity and presence step by step.

Next up, Vrishab heads to the UK in June 2026 to perform Shakespeare’s play ‘Julius Caesar’, while also preparing for London off-West End shows of ‘Live! From The Warehouse’. Alongside these performances, he’ll be working towards more LAMDA qualifications this year, strengthening his training and credentials.

Theatre has long been a proving ground for many Hindi cinema actors, and casting observers often note how performers who command live audiences tend to carry that strength onto the big screen. With grounding in Shakespeare, structured training and growing ease with layered roles, Vrishab’s progress is quietly drawing attention. If this trajectory continues, it would not be surprising if he is seen as a credible fit for lead roles in Bollywood in the near future. For now, he appears content to let preparation meet opportunity at the right time.

Conceptualised, written and composed by R. Swaran, the project carries his creative vision from start to finish. His lyrics and composition shape the emotional core of the story, presenting love as an inner force rooted in faith and personal strength. The song underlines his intent to blend devotion, motivation and feeling into a meaningful musical experience.

Sung by Aishwarya Pandit and arranged by Sufiyan Bhatt, the track is paired with narrative-driven visuals in the music video directed by Jack. It features emotional acting performances by Neha Mishra, Aria Rakunde and Chanchal Bajaj. While Shaitus Joseph has handled the mixing of the number, the music video’s photography is by Tinku Kumar, editing is handled by Jeon Singh, and costumes are by Meher Irani.

The story in the music video traces the journey of a celebrated model whose life changes after an accident that leads to the loss of a limb. She withdraws into grief and disbelief before gradually rediscovering strength through devotion, human kindness and personal effort, reflecting the message embedded in Swaran’s writing.

A recurring visual metaphor in the video is the shadow of Lord Rama appearing briefly at a window during the protagonist’s lowest moment. When she is overwhelmed by anger toward herself, destiny and faith, the shadow fades. It appears again later, aligned with her as she chooses to move ahead on her own. The symbolism reinforces the idea that grace supports effort but does not replace it, forming a spiritual layer within Swaran’s script and lyrics.

Released under the independent label Sound Feast Music, the ‘Spandan Mein – The Walk Within’ music video reflects the platform’s focus on meaningful storytelling and artistic integrity. The label is known for creative associations with respected voices such as Anuradha Paudwal and Sadhana Sargam.

Emotional and devotional in tone, the music video blends spirituality with a fashion-led storyline centred on the aspiring model’s journey. The choreography, cinematography, performances and direction support the sentiment of the narrative. Pleasant to the ears with flowing and uplifting music, the video delivers a heart-stirring experience. With ‘Spandan Mein – The Walk Within’, R. Swaran presents a meditation on the purest form of love, the kind that begins within long before the applause.

Having spent years in front of the camera as an actress, television presenter and live host, Nikita has built a career on communication and connection. In recent years, her study and practice of Vedic astrology has added a more introspective dimension to how she understands human bonds. For her, Valentine’s Day is not only about celebrating relationships, but also about examining the self.

“Venus is the architect of relationships. The strength, condition and combination of Venus in an individual’s horoscope manifests as their love life. But Venus is also the choices you make and how you speak. Like they say, charity begins at home,” remarks Nikita.

“To improve the quality of your relationships, begin with yourself, look deeply at the choices you’re making and how you are interacting with the world. Refinement strengthens Venus,” she adds.

According to her, many people look for compatibility in others without first building clarity within themselves. Astrology, she explains, can act as a mirror, helping individuals recognise patterns in communication, emotional responses and expectations.

This perspective connects closely with her work as a mentor and coach through the Nikita Anand Performance Studio, her online training platform focused on communication, presence and personality development. There, she often stresses self-awareness, thoughtful speech and emotional balance. The same qualities that make someone a strong presenter also support healthier relationships.

At a time when dating apps and fast-paced lifestyles can make relationships feel disposable, Nikita’s message is grounded. Love is not only about finding the right person. It is about becoming the right person.

This Valentine’s Day, her advice shifts the focus from stars in the sky, to alignment within. For those willing to reflect, she suggests that the real starting point of romance may be self-refinement.