Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Entertainment

Mira Kapoor’s Romantic Birthday Wish for Shahid Kapoor Wins Hearts

Tanisha Cardozo

Love stories in Bollywood often play out on-screen, but sometimes, the most genuine moments unfold away from the camera. That’s exactly what fans witnessed when Mira Rajput Kapoor shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her husband, Shahid Kapoor, on February 25.

Taking to social media, Mira posted a series of intimate and romantic pictures, accompanied by a simple yet deeply personal message: “Simply the best… Happy Birthday love of my life.” The post quickly resonated with fans, offering a glimpse into the couple’s bond that has remained strong over the years.

The images captured a serene beachside setting, where the couple appeared relaxed and completely at ease in each other’s company. In one frame, Shahid, dressed casually in a black T-shirt and sunglasses, wraps his arms around Mira as they gaze out at the sea, soaking in the calm of the moment. Another candid shot shows them laughing freely, with Mira leaning back into his embrace.

Perhaps the most touching image in the series is one where Mira plants a gentle kiss on Shahid’s forehead, while he smiles warmly at the camera. The final photograph adds a playful touch, with Shahid lifting Mira as she hugs him tightly—an effortless display of affection and comfort.

Their story dates back to July 7, 2015, when they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Delhi. Unlike many celebrity relationships, theirs was an arranged match, brought together through family connections and spiritual guidance. Over the years, their relationship has evolved into one of Bollywood’s most admired partnerships.

Today, more than a decade into their marriage, the couple are proud parents to two children—daughter Misha, born in 2016, and son Zain, born in 2018. While Shahid continues to shine in the film industry, Mira has carved her own identity as an entrepreneur, building a strong presence in the wellness and lifestyle space.

On the professional front, Shahid Kapoor remains as busy as ever. After his recent appearance in O Romeo, he has an exciting lineup ahead with Cocktail 2 and Farzi 2, keeping fans eagerly anticipating his next performances.

Born into a family deeply rooted in cinema, Shahid is the son of veteran actors Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem, and shares a close bond with his half-brother, actor Ishaan Khatter.

Yet, beyond the film sets and public appearances, it is moments like these—quiet, affectionate, and deeply personal—that truly define his life. Mira’s birthday post serves as a reminder that even in the spotlight, love can remain simple, grounded, and beautifully real.

Business

Swiggy Dineout Taps Bhuvan Bam for GIRF 2026; ‘Bill Half. Party Full.’ Takes Over India

Tanisha Cardozo

Swiggy Dineout has officially announced the return of its flagship dining celebration, the Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) 2026, bringing with it bigger offers, wider reach, and a strong cultural connect. Spearheaded by Swiggy Limited, this year’s edition promises to transform how India dines out, making it more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.

At the heart of GIRF 2026 is its collaboration with digital creator Bhuvan Bam, who joins as the official ambassador. Known for his iconic work through BB Ki Vines, Bhuvan brings a unique storytelling element to the campaign. Popular characters like Babloo, Babli, and Sameer are woven into the narrative, representing relatable dining personalities seen across India.

The campaign revolves around the simple yet impactful theme: “Bill Half. Party Full.” It captures a universal truth—while dining out is a joyful experience, the cost often becomes a limiting factor. By addressing this barrier, GIRF 2026 aims to encourage consumers to step out more often, celebrate freely, and explore diverse culinary experiences.

Starting February 15, 2026, and running for two months, the festival offers up to 50% discounts across more than 40,000 restaurants in over 60 cities. The offers span across cafés, pubs, bars, fine-dining establishments, and family restaurants, ensuring something for every kind of diner.

In addition to the headline discounts, users can avail extra benefits including a 10% instant discount on HDFC Bank cards and 10% cashback as Dinecash on bookings. These added incentives further enhance the value proposition, making dining out both rewarding and economical.

GIRF 2026 also introduces engaging elements like “Crazzzy Deals of the Day,” complimentary cocktails and mocktails at select venues, and extended happy hours—designed to elevate the overall dining experience.

The festival is not limited to metro cities alone. While major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai remain key markets, GIRF also extends to emerging food destinations such as Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Udaipur. This widespread reach highlights Swiggy’s ambition to democratize dining experiences across India.

With participation from leading brands including Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Punjab Grill, YouMee, and Good Flippin Burgers, GIRF 2026 stands as one of the largest and most inclusive dining festivals in the country.

Blending food, culture, and digital storytelling, GIRF 2026 is more than just a discount event—it is a celebration of India’s evolving dining culture, where affordability meets experience, and every meal becomes an occasion.

Travel

Aguad: Where History Lives, Breathes, and Belongs

Tanisha Cardozo

Standing tall along Goa’s coastline, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex is more than just a reminder of history—it is where the past continues to live, evolve, and engage with the present. Once a strategic Portuguese port and later a prison that confined freedom fighters, the complex has witnessed centuries of transformation, carrying stories of conquest, resistance, and resilience within its walls.

Today, Aguad has re-emerged as a dynamic public space that invites visitors not just to observe history, but to experience it. Carefully restored and thoughtfully curated, the complex now blends heritage with contemporary life, offering something for every kind of explorer—from history enthusiasts to casual visitors seeking a unique day out.

Arriving at Aguad itself can be an experience. While the road route offers scenic views, the boat ride across the Mandovi River adds a layer of anticipation. Ferries departing from Kala Academy glide across the waters, offering a serene journey that sets the tone for what awaits at the historic site.

At the heart of the complex lies the Aguad Interactive Museum, housed within the old prison cells. This space goes beyond traditional storytelling, using immersive exhibits, digital kiosks, and QR-enabled audio guides to transport visitors into Goa’s past. Divided into themes such as land, struggle, and people, the museum creates a powerful narrative of Goa’s history, especially its liberation movement, making it both educational and engaging.

For those who prefer exploring history on foot, the heritage walks offer a deeper dive into the site’s legacy. Walking through the fort reveals layers of history—from its role in defending against invaders like the Dutch and Marathas to its later use as a prison. Visitors gain access to hidden corners including a chapel, freshwater spring, old kitchens, and the stark prison cells that once held freedom fighters, making the experience both insightful and moving.

As the sun begins to set, the experience shifts from land to sea. The heritage cruise takes visitors into the calm waters of Aguada Bay and the Arabian Sea aboard a vintage-style vessel. With panoramic views of Goa’s coastline and the fort itself, the cruise offers a rare perspective—one that captures the quiet beauty and grandeur of the complex from afar.

Aguad is also redefining what it means to dine within a heritage space. From relaxed, cosy spots to more refined dining experiences, the complex offers a variety of options that cater to different moods and tastes. Whether it’s enjoying comfort food, sipping creative beverages, or indulging in a fusion of traditional and global flavours, the culinary experiences here mirror the spirit of Aguad itself—where the old meets the new seamlessly.

Weekends at Aguad bring an added vibrancy. The lively market atmosphere, with stalls showcasing local crafts and artisanal products, turns the historic setting into a space of community and creativity. Visitors can browse unique finds, interact with local artisans, and soak in the festive energy that fills the air.

The complex has also emerged as a sought-after venue for curated events. Candlelight concerts add a magical glow to the historic walls, while musical evenings and cultural performances create an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand. Art exhibitions further enrich the experience, with galleries showcasing remarkable collections that connect Goa’s heritage with broader artistic narratives.

What makes Aguad truly special is its ability to remain rooted in history while embracing the present. It is no longer just a monument to be observed, but a space to be experienced—where stories are told not just through stone walls, but through music, art, food, and shared moments.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your roots or a visitor exploring Goa for the first time, Aguad offers something rare—a place where history doesn’t feel distant, but alive, inviting, and deeply connected to the present.

Social

Lions Club of Loutolim Honours Talents Rupesh Jogale & Mario Pimenta

Tanisha Cardozo

The Lions Club of Loutolim recently celebrated the achievements of two outstanding individuals from the village, Rupesh Jogale and Mario Pimenta, during a special felicitation ceremony held as part of the official visit of District Governor PMJF Lion Jai Amol Naik.

The event began with a warm welcome by President Lion Allen Araujo, who highlighted the consistent efforts of the club in serving the community despite being based in a rural area. Secretary Lion Alwyn Mascarenhas presented a detailed overview of the club’s initiatives since July, which included environmental efforts like sapling distribution during Vanamahotsav, educational support for deserving students, financial aid, and various charitable activities.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of two local talents who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Rupesh Jogale, a respected name in Goan theatre and direction, was honoured for his dedication to the performing arts. Known for his powerful portrayals, including roles depicting Jesus Christ, Jogale shared his journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him.

Mario Pimenta, a young and promising filmmaker from Goa, was also felicitated for his growing achievements in cinema and participation in various competitions. At just 21, Mario reflected on his journey, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother and sister. He encouraged aspiring individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and action, noting that such recognition at a young age was both motivating and humbling.

District Governor PMJF Lion Jai Amol Naik congratulated both honourees and commended the Lions Club of Loutolim for its impactful work. He encouraged more individuals to join the Lions movement, emphasising its core philosophy of service and positive societal impact. During the event, he also presented letters from the International President of Lions Clubs International to veteran members, along with medals and badges, recognising their long-standing dedication.

Treasurer MGF Lion Joaquim Monteiro delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all attendees and contributors to the event’s success. With nearly five decades of service, the Lions Club of Loutolim continues to play a vital role in fostering community development while celebrating and encouraging local talent.

Events in Goa

Lights, Camera, Awareness: Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival 2026 Announced

Tanisha Cardozo

The Entertainment Society of Goa has announced the 8th edition of the Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival 2026, set to take place on May 31, 2026. Organised in association with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College and Hospital, the festival aims to use the power of cinema to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and reduce the incidence of oral cancer and heart diseases in Goa.

With the theme “Unmasking the appeal: Countering Nicotine & Tobacco Addiction,” this year’s festival invites filmmakers, students, and institutions to create impactful ad films that challenge the perception of tobacco and highlight its risks. The initiative not only focuses on public health awareness but also promotes film art through non-profit screenings.

The festival will be conducted in two sections — the Goa Section and the National Section — ensuring participation from both local and national talent. The Goa Section is open to films produced by Goan individuals, production houses, students studying in Goa, and local institutions. Entries can be in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, or English, and must not exceed two minutes in duration, with mandatory English subtitles.

The National Section, on the other hand, is open to participants from across India, with films required to be in Hindi or English. Similar to the Goa category, entries must be ad films of up to two minutes and include English subtitles.

Interested participants must complete their registration by April 17, 2026, by submitting the official form available on the ESG website. The final deadline for submission of films along with supporting documents is May 13, 2026.

The festival also offers attractive prizes to encourage participation and reward impactful storytelling. In the Goa Section, the first prize carries ₹50,000, followed by ₹30,000 for second place and ₹20,000 for third. In the National Section, the top prize stands at ₹1,00,000, with ₹50,000 and ₹30,000 awarded to second and third place winners respectively.

By combining creativity with a strong social message, the Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival continues to serve as an important platform for filmmakers to contribute to public health awareness while showcasing their talent. As entries open, the festival once again calls on storytellers to use their voice and vision to inspire change and promote a tobacco-free future.