Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Entertainment

PM Narendra Modi Meets Fauda Team in Israel, Lior Raz Calls It a ‘Huge Honour’

Tanisha Cardozo

In a unique blend of diplomacy and pop culture, Narendra Modi met the team behind the globally acclaimed series Fauda during his recent visit to Israel, creating a memorable moment that resonated across both political and entertainment circles.

The Prime Minister, who returned to India after a historic two-day state visit, took to social media to share a cheerful selfie with the cast and creators of Fauda. Adding his trademark touch of humour, he wrote, “Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work! #Fauda,” referencing the show’s intense espionage theme.

The highlight of the interaction was the response from Fauda’s co-creator and lead actor, Lior Raz, who described the meeting as a “huge honour.” Speaking in an interview, Raz praised the Prime Minister’s support for the arts, noting how significant it was for creators to receive recognition from a leader of such a large and influential country.

Raz also reflected on the show’s strong connection with India, recalling its Netflix premiere at the International Film Festival of India held in Goa. He expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations, stating that the team would love to return to India and engage more deeply with its creative industry.

Fauda, developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, is widely regarded as one of the most gripping political thrillers in global television. The series draws inspiration from their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces and follows the story of Doron, an undercover commander in a special unit, navigating high-stakes missions and personal dilemmas.

Since its debut in 2015, the series has gained international acclaim and a dedicated fan base, including in India, where it streams on Netflix. With four successful seasons already released and a fifth season on the way, Fauda continues to expand its global reach.

Its popularity in India also led to an official adaptation titled Tanaav, which premiered in 2022 and explores similar themes within an Indian context.

The meeting between PM Modi and the Fauda team underscores the growing cultural exchange between India and Israel, where diplomacy extends beyond traditional boundaries into storytelling, cinema, and shared creative aspirations.

Sports

Vimson Panjim Powerplay Seal One-Run Thriller in GSB Unity Cup 3.0

Tanisha Cardozo

It was a night of high drama and edge-of-the-seat action in Margao as Vimson Panjim Powerplay clinched a sensational one-run victory over Madgaon Royals CC in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust.

Played under floodlights at the MCC Ground, the match delivered everything a cricket fan could hope for — a competitive total, strong individual performances, and a finish that went right down to the final ball.

Chasing 160 for victory, Madgaon Royals CC fought hard but fell just short, ending at 158 for 7 in their 20 overs. The match reached its peak in the final delivery, where the Royals needed four runs to win and three to tie. In a desperate attempt to complete the third run, Granthik Buyao was run out, handing Vimson Panjim Powerplay a dramatic one-run win.

Earlier in the evening, after winning the toss, Madgaon Royals opted to field first. Vimson Panjim Powerplay posted a competitive total of 159 for 7, thanks to a composed and captain’s knock from Amod Borkar. Leading from the front, he scored a fluent 50 off 39 balls, including five boundaries and a six.

He was well supported by Shivam Varik, who contributed 31 off 25 balls, and Siddhant Amonkar, who added a quickfire 30 off just 19 deliveries. The innings was further boosted by 21 extras, which proved crucial in the end.

For Madgaon Royals, Sanat Prabhudessai was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 2 for 23, while Samprabh Phaldesai and Kartik Hattangadi chipped in with a wicket each.

In response, Madgaon Royals mounted a strong chase led by Sahish Mahambrey, who played a blistering knock of 52 runs, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. Sanat Prabhudessai added 31 runs, while Damodar Pai Patnekar (20) and Kartik Hattangadi (17) provided valuable contributions in the middle order.

However, disciplined bowling by Vimson Panjim Powerplay kept the pressure intact. The team conceded just eight extras, a factor that ultimately made the difference in such a closely contested match. Amod Borkar, Kapil Sinai Borkar, and Siddesh Desai picked up a wicket each at crucial moments.

At the post-match presentation, Amod Borkar was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match for his all-round performance, while Siddesh Desai received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award.

The thrilling contest not only showcased the competitive spirit of local cricket in Goa but also highlighted how fine the margins can be in the game — where every run, every ball, and every decision counts.

Spotlight

Shubham Verma: From Small-Town Dreams to Casting Big Stories

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

There’s something powerful about dreams that begin in small places. For Shubham Verma, that journey started in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand—a city far removed from the fast-paced world of India’s entertainment industry. But even as a child, he knew he wanted more. Modeling and acting weren’t just ambitions; they were a vision of a life beyond boundaries.

At nineteen, Shubham took his first step into that world. Without industry connections or prior exposure, the move wasn’t easy. Everything—from meeting new people to understanding how the industry functioned—was completely unfamiliar. Yet, what he lacked in experience, he made up for with determination and belief in himself.

The early years in modeling were as challenging as they were transformative. He worked tirelessly, navigating an industry where competition is intense and opportunities are never guaranteed. Doubts came not just from within but also from people around him. Still, he chose to stay focused, letting his work speak louder than skepticism.

After five years in front of the camera, a shift began to take shape. Shubham found himself drawn to the mechanics behind the scenes—the way projects were built, the way talent was discovered, and the way stories came together. Travelling across India and interacting with producers, coordinators, and creatives gave him a deeper understanding of the industry. That’s when casting entered the picture—not as a backup plan, but as a new passion.

Today, as a casting director with Khanna Production House, his work is dynamic and demanding. It involves travelling across cities, conducting auditions, understanding character requirements, and identifying the right talent for each role. No two days are the same, and that unpredictability is exactly what keeps the work exciting.

For Shubham, casting is not just about finding faces—it’s about recognizing potential. He believes that presentation and confidence are key, and that anyone with the right mindset can carve a place in the industry. Over time, he has also seen how unconventional casting choices can create some of the most memorable performances, reinforcing his belief in taking creative risks.

His journey hasn’t been without setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the entertainment industry to a standstill, testing both patience and resilience. There were also moments that served as hard lessons—like an audition in Jaipur where, due to poor coordination, no participants showed up despite extensive planning. Experiences like these shaped his understanding of professionalism and trust.

Looking at the industry today, Shubham sees immense growth and opportunity. Regional cinema, particularly from Kerala, is gaining recognition for its strong storytelling, while Bollywood continues to invest in large-scale, ambitious projects. The landscape is evolving, and for those willing to adapt, the possibilities are endless.

Closer to home, Goa stands out as a rising hub for entertainment. With its scenic locations and globally recognized platforms like the International Film Festival of India, it continues to attract filmmakers and creatives from across the country. Shubham believes that Goa’s role in the industry will only grow stronger in the years to come.

One of the most defining moments in his journey was landing his first major project. It wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was an emotional one. A moment of realization that all the risks, struggles, and persistence had finally paid off.

Despite working in a highly social industry, Shubham describes himself as an introvert—something that often surprises people. Yet, it’s perhaps this introspection that allows him to connect deeply with his work and understand characters beyond the surface.

If his life were a film, he knows exactly what it would be called: Dream It. Believe It. Just Do It. And in many ways, that title perfectly captures his journey—a story not just about success, but about growth, evolution, and staying true to one’s dreams.

For newcomers looking to break into the industry, his advice is simple but powerful: stay consistent, be patient, and never lose belief in yourself. Because in the end, every big story starts with a small step—and the courage to take it.

Social

Pentair Contributes ₹2.18 Crore to Goa CSR Authority in Boost to Social Development

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant boost to Goa’s social development initiatives, Hon’ble Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presided over the presentation of a cheque worth ₹2.18 crore by Pentair Water India Private Limited to the Goa CSR Authority at Mantralaya, Porvorim.

The contribution marks a strong step forward in reinforcing collaboration between responsible corporate entities and the Government of Goa. It highlights the growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development in the state.

This funding is set to support priority sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth. By focusing on these key areas, the initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society, especially those at the grassroots level.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the continued commitment of Pentair Water India Pvt. Ltd. towards Goa’s progress. He acknowledged the company’s proactive role in supporting initiatives that align with the state’s vision for holistic and people-centric development.

The Chief Minister also extended his gratitude to Shri Raghunath Mane, Managing Director; Mrs. Jennifer Hensley, Senior Vice President (USA); and other representatives of the company for their valuable contribution and ongoing support.

The event serves as a reminder of the critical role that partnerships between government and industry play in shaping a sustainable future. As Goa continues to focus on balanced growth, such collaborations are expected to drive impactful change, ensuring improved quality of life and long-term development for its people.

With increasing participation from corporates in CSR initiatives, Goa is steadily strengthening its framework for inclusive progress—where economic growth goes hand in hand with social responsibility.

Politics

MP Tanavade Joins India–Ukraine Friendship Group

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sadanand Shet Tanavade has been appointed as a Member of the India–Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, marking a significant step in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy between the two nations. The initiative is aimed at fostering closer engagement between lawmakers of India and Ukraine, encouraging dialogue and cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

Parliamentary Friendship Groups serve as an important platform for legislators to directly interact with their international counterparts. Through these engagements, members exchange legislative experiences, discuss policy approaches, and build long-term relationships rooted in trust and cooperation. The India–Ukraine group is expected to play a vital role in enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, social policy, culture, and shared global challenges faced by democracies.

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the appointment, Tanavade thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for placing their trust in him and entrusting him with this responsibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Tanavade said he was honoured to be part of the initiative and looked forward to contributing towards strengthening ties between the two countries. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in building meaningful international relationships.

His appointment reflects India’s continued commitment to engaging with global partners through parliamentary channels, complementing diplomatic efforts at the governmental level. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, such initiatives are expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting collaboration, stability, and shared progress between nations.