Actors Reveal Their Alternate Career Passions!

 Actors Reveal Their Alternate Career Passions!

Have you ever wondered what your favorite actors would be doing if they weren't in the entertainment industry? It turns out these talented individuals have unique skills and passions that could have led them to completely different career paths! From teaching and singing to dancing, &TV actors share how their alternate professions would still reflect their creativity, dedication, and desire to inspire. Here's a look at the professions they might have pursued if not acting, featuring Neeta Mohindra (Kailasha Bua from Bheema), Sonal Panwar (Malaika from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabhi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neeta Mohindra, known for her role as Kailasha Bua in Bheema, says, "If I weren’t an actor, I would have fully committed myself to   teaching acting and the art forms that I hold dear. Alongside my acting career, I 've been fortunate to teach students, especially in acting and Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art that blends discipline, strength, and grace. With a master’s degree in fine arts and a Ph.D. in Tribal Art Forms, I am passionate about preserving and passing on our cultural heritage. Teaching allows me to guide aspiring artists, helping them discover their potential and refine their craft. Had acting not been my main focus, I would have devoted my time entirely to nurturing the next generation of performers, combining my love for art, storytelling, and education into a fulfilling teaching career. "

Sonal Panwar, who plays Malaika in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, "If I weren’t an actor, I would have pursued a career as a singer. Music has been a constant part of my life since childhood, and I’ve been learning to sing for as long as I can remember. The power of music to express emotions and connect with people deeply resonates with me. Singing brings me immense joy and allows me to convey feelings that words often can’t. I find myself humming tunes or singing my favourite songs during my free time—it’s like therapy for me. If I hadn’t been performing on screen, I would have loved to perform on stage or even teach music, sharing the magic of melodies with others. Singing will always be an integral part of who I am." Shubhangi Atre, known for her portrayal of Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reveals, "If I hadn’t become an actor, I would have definitely pursued a career as a Kathak dancer and teacher. Dancing has been a part of my life since childhood, and Kathak holds a special place in my heart. The rhythm, expressions, and grace of this classical dance form have always fascinated me. I’ve spent countless hours practicing, and it has brought me immense joy and peace. Teaching Kathak would have been a dream come true, as it would allow me to share my passion for this beautiful art form with others and inspire them to embrace our rich cultural heritage. Even now, whenever I get the chance, I love performing Kathak, and it reminds me of the timeless beauty of Indian classical arts."

Watch their stellar performances in Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00

PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, every Monday to Friday, only on &TV!

Mhatre March Continues as Singams Roar Past Srinagar Ke Veer

 Mhatre March Continues as Singams Roar Past Srinagar Ke Veer

Opener Ketan Mhatre continued to tonk the opposition bowlers out of the mark and captain Sumeet Dhekale came good after missing out in the first two games. The duo’s sensational effort laid the foundation for the Chennai Singams as the in-form team outplayed Srinagar Ke Veer by 18 runs in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2 on Thursday. Riding on Mhatre’s quickfire 37 (21b, 3x4, 2x6) and his two vital contributions of 49 runs for the first wicket with Jagat Sarkar and 38 runs with Dhekale (24, 16b, 4x4) for the second, Chennai Singams crossed the three-figure mark for the second consecutive match to tally 107 for five off its 10 overs at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane.

The all-round bowling attack then ensured that Sagar Ali and Sanskar Dhyani could not convert their starts into big scores as Srinagar Ke Veer were restricted to 89 for four. The win was the Singams’ second consecuctive victory of the season after opening its account against Bangalore Strikers two days earlier. Mhatre, the destructive opener, and Sarkar started off virtually from where they had left during their 62-run stand against the Strikers. The opening duo was harsh on the Veer bowlers before Sarkar perished in the fifth over – the second and the last over with the ISPL Ball – with the scoreboard reading 49.

Mhatre was then joined by another southpaw Dhekale, the veteran who had unfortunately been unable to get off to a start in the first two games. But with Dhekale timing the ball sweetly, it took the pressure off Mhatre before the opener perished in the ninth over. V. Vignesh’s unbeaten cameo of 14 runs off five balls meant the Singams crossed the hundred-run mark for the second time in three nights. While Vignesh continued his exploits with the ball in hand, left-arm pacer Jignesh Patel – who has been impressive in his debut season – ensured the Srinagar batters did not get off the blocks quickly. As a result, despite being unable to pick wickets, the Singams remained in control of the game all through the second half.

The Singams will take on Tigers of Kolkata on Friday.

Chennai Singams 107/5 in 10 overs (Ketan Mhatre 37; Sumeet Dhekale 24; Manish Waghmare 3/20) bt Srinagar Ke Veer 89/4 in 10 overs (Sagar Ali 25, Sanskar Dhyani 22; Anurag Sarshar 1/16, Jignesh Patel 1/19).

IPRS Launches Season 2 of ‘My Music, My Rights’ with a Power-

 IPRS Launches Season 2 of ‘My Music, My Rights’ with a Power- Packed Session in Pune

Pune, January 30, 2025: The first session of Season 2 of the ‘My Music, My Rights’: Creators Connect Programme’ by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) unfolded as a resounding success yesterday, with a strong turnout of music creators, independent artists and industry professionals.. Hosted at Ajeenkya DY Patil University in Pune, the event provided a valuable platform for music creators to gain firsthand knowledge on IP rights, creators’ royalties, music publishing, enhancing music production, and leveraging YouTube’s potential. It also featured insightful panels on navigating the music industry as an emerging artist and fostering diversity in the music ecosystem. Attendees received exclusive insights and expert guidance from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, making it a truly enriching experience. The engaging panel discussions and insightful presentations provided actionable go-to- market solutions, as industry leaders shared their expertise, strategies, and personal experiences with the participants. Speakers included Karan Grover, Senior Director (India, Middle East & Africa) at Dolby Labs; Sagarika Das, CEO of Sagarika Music; Bhaskar Nair, Partner Engineer & Nikhil Nerkar, Strategic Partner Manager at YouTube Music; Chandrika Shah, India Head at Horus Music; Saee Tembhekar, Singer, Songwriter; andMurtuza Gadiwala, Founder Partner Outwrite Publishing. Their collective knowledgeinspired attendees to take proactive steps in safeguarding their work and advancing theirmusic careers. Additionally, Rumpa Banerjee, Head of Marketing, Communication &

Member Relations at IPRS, shared valuable insights on managing rights and royalties asa creator and highlighted the crucial role of music copyright societies like IPRS inenhancing the careers and earnings of authors, composers, and publishers across alllevels of the industry. Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, expressed, “It’s immensely rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the creators today. The overwhelming response reinforces IPRS’s commitment to empowering music creators by educating them about their rights and the resources available to them. To see such a diverse group of creators come together to learn, share, and grow is inspiring. This initiative is all about fostering a culture where creators are empowered, and their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded.” The sessions not only equipped participants with essential tools to navigate the rapidly evolving music industry but also provided a valuable platform for creators to connect, collaborate, and engage with industry leaders and peers. Building on this momentum, upcoming sessions of ‘My Music, My Rights’ are scheduled in Ahmedabad on 6 th Feb, Bangalore on 20 th Feb, Chennai on 6 th March, Lucknow on 26 th March, and Patna on 9 th April. The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) remains committed to empowering music creators across the country, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and fostering a more equitable and thriving future for both music and its creators.

Madhurima Nigam Brings the Spirit of “Basant Panchami Mela” to Dubai on February 2nd, 2025

 Madhurima Nigam Brings the Spirit of “Basant Panchami Mela” to Dubai on February 2nd, 2025

The city of dreams, a melting pot of cultures, is set to witness the grandeur of Indian tradition and Bengali heritage come alive with the “Basant Panchami Mela” on February 2nd, 2025, at Radisson Blu,Deira Creek. Organized by the multifaceted Madhurima Nigam under the banner of Shongi, this event promises to be a celebration of Saraswati Puja, art, literature, and music that transcends borders and unites hearts.
Rooted deeply in her Bengali heritage, Madhurima Nigam, the wife of celebrated singer Sonu Nigam, has always harboured a passion for preserving and sharing the rich cultural tapestry of Bengal. “My mother is Bengali, and since childhood, I’ve dreamed of contributing to the Bengali community and keeping our traditions alive. When I moved to Dubai, I unexpectedly met many like-minded Bengali individuals. Together, we reminisced about our shared past, childhood stories, and the beauty of our culture. It inspired us to educate the younger generation about our roots and traditions, which seem to be fading amidst the digital age,”says Madhurima
Basant Panchami Mela is a soulful endeavour to weave a bond between generations, cultures, and traditions. The festival will begin with a reverent Basant Panchami performance honouring Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom, learning, and art. Close to the heart of every Bengali, the Mela will also feature the age-old tradition of young children learning to write their first letters—a symbolic act of invoking knowledge and enlightenment.“This sacred ritual has never been held in Dubai before. The sight of children coming together to write their first letters will be a moment of divine connection, a celebration of learning that unites us all,” Madhurima shares
Dubai, known for its cosmopolitan ethos, is a city that celebrates diversity. Madhurima emphasizes the importance of connecting cultures: “India is a land of diversity, not only in regions but also in languages and traditions. Through Basant Panchami Mela, we aim to share the vibrant essence of Bengali culture with people from all walks of life. We hope to learn from other cultures and for them to experience ours. This event isn’t about financial contributions—it’s about love, presence, and unity”
The event will feature a Bengali music concert with performances by the popular Bengali band,The Park Street Band led by Rohit Gupta and renowned nutritionist Mitun De Sarkar.
The Basant Panchami Mela marks the first event under Shongi, a cultural initiative founded by Madhurima Nigam, Rohit Gupta, Mitun De Sarkar and Rinka to preserve and promote Indian traditions globally.
Organizing such a cultural extravaganza in Dubai comes with its challenges, but Madhurima is full of gratitude for the unwavering support she has received. “The UAE Government’s commitment to tradition and values is admirable. Their support, along with that of the Dubai Police and the tourism department, has been crucial in bringing this vision to life. Dubai is a liberal and a giving place, but one must always respect its boundaries and rules. With good intent, everything falls into place,” she says
The Basant Panchami Mela is set to be a landmark event, uniting not only Bengalis but also people from across the world in a celebration of culture, art, and spirituality. Madhurima Nigam invites everyone to join this journey of joy and learning. “Let us come together to honour our roots, celebrate diversity, and pass on a legacy of culture and tradition to the next generation”

Tips Music and Sterling Reserve Music Project Unveil the Nostalgic 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar' with "Tips Take 2"

 Tips Music and Sterling Reserve Music Project Unveil the Nostalgic 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar' with "Tips Take 2"

Get ready to be swept away by a wave of nostalgia as Tips Music Limited and Sterling Reserve Music Project continue their electrifying journey with "Tips Take 2." Following the resounding success of "Sambhala Hai Maine," the dynamic duo is back with the second captivating classic "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar," set to release on January 29th, 2025.
 Hari Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Tips Music Limited, said, "At Tips Music,we believe in the power of timeless melodies. 'Tips Take 2' is our endeavour to reimagine our classics in a new take. We are happy to partner with Sterling Reserve to release the second song - 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar'. It is another  shining   example   of  how  we're   breathing   new   life   into   these   gems. We are confident this song will capture hearts just like the previous one”

 Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Allied Blenders and Distillers added "The Sterling Reserve Music Project celebrates moments that bring people together. We are thrilled to reimagine music which have brought people together and present to a new generation. 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar,' blends the spirit of tradition with modernity. This partnership with Tips Music reflects our journey to embed Sterling Reserve with our culture”  This time, the timeless melody gets a fresh, soulful twist courtesy of the powerhouse vocals of Shahid Mallya and Asees Kaur. Adding to the magic, the stunning Tanya Maniktala and the charismatic Ishwak Singh grace the screen, bringing their undeniable chemistry to this musical revival.
 Shahid Mallya said, "It's an absolute honour to be a part of 'Tips Take 2' and the beloved classic 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar.' Collaborating with Asees and being a part of this reimagining has been an incredible journey. I hope our rendition brings as much joy to the listeners as we experienced creating it”
 Asees Kaur expressed her excitement, "Recreating 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar' has been a truly special experience. The song is iconic and gives it a fresh, modern touch. The entire team put their heart and soul into this project, and I’m excited for everyone to hear our take on this timeless melody”
 "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar," a beloved track from the 90s, is reborn under the "Tips Take 2" banner, promising to resonate with a new generation while reigniting the passion of devoted fans. The solid collaboration between Tips Music Limited and Sterling Reserve Music Project continues to celebrate iconic sounds with a modern flair.
 Tanya Maniktala expressed, "Being a part of ‘Tips Take 2’ has been an amazing opportunity. ‘Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar’ has always been close to my heart, and this new version is just magical. I am so excited for the audience to experience the beauty and nostalgia of the song and the video”
 Ishwak Singh, said “The 90s era music has a unique vibe, and to be able to contribute to this fresh take on a classic is truly exciting. It's been an exciting experience to bring this musical narrative to life with such talented collaborators”

 "Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar" will be available across all major music platforms.

About TIPS Music Ltd.: Since its establishment in 1988, Tips has consistently invested in music production, amassing an impressive collection of more than 30,000 songs spanning various genres and languages. Committed to crafting music with broad appeal, Tips Music takes pride in delivering high-quality productions. Over the years, our popularity has surged, earning us essential recognition from partners who now consider Tips a vital source of must-have hits for their platforms.

Vaishali Samant makes a demand to the government in Sawani Ravindra's podcast

 "Marathi artists are neither getting PF nor pension. The government should pay attention - Vaishali Samant"

There is no shortage of talent in our Maharashtra. All we need is companionship, support.
Recently, National Award winner Sawani Ravindra has started a Music Podcast, in which she has featured many veteran artists from the music industry. It has also received a very good response from the audience.

Recently, well-known playback singer Vaishali Samant came to this podcast of Sawani. When Sawani asked what changes she wanted in her Marathi music industry, Vaishali Samant said that the government should implement many initiatives with the artists in Maharashtra. “Do our artists get PF or not, do they get pension or not? I think that if an artist gets his benefits at the right time to move forward successfully, he will definitely soar. We artists are ready to work with all our hearts. Give us an opportunity and only the government can give this opportunity. The government should pay some attention to the Marathi cinema industry. The government should give at least one project to every artist every year and also take a complete review of them. We need the support of the government. Now our competition is not limited to Marathi but with every artist in the world. Today, I am happy that Marathi language has got the status of a classical language. An artist is an independent company and the government should know this. Now it is time to churn the ocean.” Saying this, Vaishali Samant has asked the government for help. Now it remains to be seen how much attention the government will pay to this.

Mhatre, Sarkar ensure Singams strike Bangalore hard

Mhatre, Sarkar ensure Singams strike Bangalore hard

 Well begun is half done, it is said. The Chennai Singams openers began the Match 5 of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2 in such a scintillating manner that the duo of Ketan Mhatre and Jagat Sarkar not only set up the Singams maiden win of the season but also helped their team shatter a slew of records en route. Riding on the right- and left-handed opening partnership of 62 runs off 35 balls between Mhatre and Sarkar at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium on Tuesday, Chennai Singams put on a mammoth 125 for four off its allotted quota of 10 overs. An all-round bowling effort then ensured that the Bangalore Strikers were restricted to just 66 for nine to complete a 59-run win for the Singams. The facile win came as a soothing balm after an unfortunate defeat in the Singams’ season-opener on Monday. More importantly, the huge margin of victory will hold the team in good stead as it improved its Net Run Rate, which may prove to be the decisive factor in the race to the knockouts. The shining stars for the Singams were undoubtedly Mhatre (53, 30b, 5x4, 3x6) and Sarkar (35, 20b, 1x4, 3x6). While retaining Mhatre through the RTM card – fondly known as the Biker Man in tennis- ball cricket circuit – and going big for Sarkar in the auction ahead of the season, the Singams had got their strategy to perfection. And the opening partners repaid the faith that was shown in them with blistering knocks up front. While Sarkar got the team off to a flier opening up his arms to clear the boundaries, the best thing was neither of them lost their wicket in the two overs with the ISPL Ball – an improvement in the tape ball from the last season.

Despite losing Sarkar and Sumeet Dhekale off successive balls, Mhatre came into his elements as he earned five bonus points in the 50-50 over by completing the 10-run challenge. Rahul Sawant’s lusty blows ensured the Singams ended the innings on a high, complementing Ketan Mhatre’s outstanding performance. Mhatre’s half-century anchored the innings brilliantly, allowing Sawant to play freely and add crucial runs in the final overs, taking the team to an imposing total. "Scoring this fifty means a lot to me and to my team, as it reflects the hard work and dedication we’ve all put in. The energy on the field was incredible, and I’m thrilled that my contribution helped set up a memorable win for the Singams. Having my mother in the stands cheering for me made this moment even more special, and I dedicate this performance to her, my father, and my entire team" Mhatre Said.

Mhatre’s score was the highest individual score of the season in what was only the second fifty of the season so far. Similarly, the Singams became the first team to cross the three-figure mark. And its total of 125 was the second-highest in the Singams’ history, falling short of its 128 registered in a losing cause against Majhi Mumbai in 2024. This time around though, the total proved to be more than sufficient. Anurag Sarshar set the tone with a wicket off the first ball and Jignesh Patel’s left-arm pace then carried the momentum forward. The fact that all the six bowlers used by the Singams picked atleast one wicket each meant the Singams coasted to a win to spark off celebrations.

Brief scores: Chennai Singams 125/4 in 10 overs (Ketan Mhatre 53, Jagat Sarkar 35) bt Bangalore Strikers 66/9 in 10 overs (Rahul Sawant 2/10, Jignesh Patel 2/13, Anurag Sarshar 2/19).