In a city that has seen its fair share of glamorous nights, this one stood out. Red Chillies Entertainment hosted a grand premiere of The Bads of Bollywood at the opulent Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, and the event was anything but ordinary. The venue shimmered with lights, echoed with camera clicks, and buzzed with a sense of cinematic history being made.
What was meant to be a premiere for a new web series quickly evolved into a full-blown media spectacle. The red carpet felt like a who’s who of Bollywood. From Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt to Kajol and Ajay Devgn, the A-list turnout was jaw-dropping. Every entrance was a moment, with celebrities donning dramatic couture, glamorous gowns, and statement looks that sparked a fashion frenzy.
The biggest highlight, however, was the presence of Shah Rukh Khan and his family, attending in support of Aryan Khan, who made his much-anticipated directorial debut. Aryan, known for staying out of the spotlight, finally stepped in—but on his own terms—as the creative force behind The Bads of Bollywood, a satirical action comedy web series that premiered on Netflix the same night.
The evening wasn’t without its emotional undertones. One particularly touching moment saw Bobby Deol comforting Aryan Khan, in what appeared to be an attempt to lift his spirits amidst the overwhelming attention. These intimate gestures gave the night a human touch, a reminder that behind the glitz were real emotions, dreams, and first steps being taken.
As the show begins its streaming journey on Netflix, all eyes are on Aryan Khan, who has taken his first step not as an actor, but as a director with a vision. The premiere may be over, but the buzz around The Bads of Bollywood has only just begun.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
Shares in Warner Bros Discovery surged by 29% on Thursday, and Paramount Skydance jumped 16%, following reports that Paramount Skydance is preparing a full takeover offer for the rival studio. The potential deal, which could dramatically reshape the U.S. media landscape, would include Warner Bros Discovery’s key assets — news network CNN, premium cable channel HBO, and the film studio behind global franchises such as Barbie and Harry Potter.
The Wall Street Journal reported that although a formal bid has not yet been submitted, discussions are underway and could fall apart. The move would be one of the largest consolidation plays in the media industry’s recent history, which has already been reshaped by the streaming revolution and a flurry of mergers and acquisitions. The industry is also facing increased political scrutiny, particularly from President Donald Trump’s administration.
Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment on the potential bid, and Paramount Skydance did not respond to requests for comment.
David Ellison, head of Skydance and son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, is at the center of the reported deal. A Hollywood producer with credits including Top Gun: Maverick and World War Z, Ellison is also said to be closing in on a deal to buy The Free Press, a digital outlet co-founded by journalist Bari Weiss.
His father, Larry Ellison, a known Trump ally, briefly overtook Elon Musk this week to become the world’s richest person with a net worth of over $380 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Earlier this year, Trump had publicly floated Ellison as a possible buyer of TikTok.
The deal adds a complex political layer, as Paramount has recently faced backlash over a $16 million settlement related to a legal battle with Trump over an interview with Kamala Harris. The settlement included no admission of wrongdoing but has drawn criticism from Democrats, who have labeled it a “bribe” and requested documentation from the company.
Paramount earlier this year announced it would be splitting its business to separate its streaming services from traditional cable offerings, potentially laying the groundwork for a major structural shift — and a possible acquisition. If the reported bid materializes, it would catapult Ellison’s role in Hollywood and U.S. politics to the next level, signaling a bold new era in the ongoing battle for media dominance.
The year was 2003. A simple visit to a magic stall in Mumbai changed the course of Cdr Clifford N Parakh’s life forever. At 33, while still serving as a Naval Officer, Clifford purchased a small magic trick. What struck him wasn’t just the trick itself, but the joy it brought to others. That moment became the spark that would eventually ignite a full-time career in the world of illusion.
Encouraged by his wife Radhika and inspired by the renowned Goan illusionist Mr. Edmundo Da Cunha, Clifford took the bold decision to step away from his career in the Indian Navy and fully dedicate himself to magic. Now, over 15 years later, he stands as Goa’s leading illusionist, recognized not only for his technical mastery but also for his signature style of engaging, corporate-friendly entertainment.
Clifford’s act, meticulously designed for corporate audiences, is a blend of minimalistic setup and maximum impact. He operates with few props—often just a briefcase—but delivers a 45-minute act packed with sleight of hand, humour, communication, and mentalism. His performances are tailored to the business world: clean, interactive, and free of controversial content. Whether it’s breaking the monotony of a long conference or launching a product in a spectacular fashion, his shows are designed to leave a lasting impression.
What sets Clifford apart is his focus on audience interaction. He believes magic is not just about deception but emotional engagement. “When someone comes on stage, the entire audience lives the experience through them,” he says. Whether performing for CEOs or regional sales teams, Clifford takes time to research his audience, sometimes even learning a few lines in their local language to establish rapport instantly.
His most celebrated performance? The Mind Reading Duo Act with his wife Radhika. In this unforgettable illusion, Radhika is blindfolded while audience members silently think of names, numbers, or places. One by one, their thoughts are revealed with uncanny accuracy. “This is probably the only act of its kind in India,” Clifford shares, and it consistently wins hearts wherever it’s performed.
Despite his accolades, Clifford remains grounded. He views magic as a lifelong study of not just tricks, but of psychology, pacing, humour, and the deep, nuanced art of showmanship. “Even after two decades, I feel I’ve just scratched the surface,” he admits.
Clifford has had his share of on-stage mishaps too, but with presence of mind and years of experience, he always finds a way to keep the illusion alive. “The audience doesn’t know what’s coming next. As long as the trick ends logically, they’ll never know something went wrong,” he smiles.
He’s also cautious with technology in magic. While modern illusions often rely on digital props or internet-based tricks, Clifford prefers sleight of hand. “If tech fails, there’s no way out. Skill never fails,” he asserts.
Today, Clifford wears many hats—illusionist, author (Discover The Magician In You), mentor, and recipient of the prestigious Karamveer Chakra Award (Gold) for 2024. He has won the National Illusion Competition in 2009, featured on Prime TV’s street magic series, and etched his name in the India Book of Records (2022) for being the first to perform a magic show for the visually impaired—on radio.
For aspiring magicians, Clifford offers honest advice: master fewer tricks, perform them perfectly, be likable on stage, and never rely solely on magic for income—at least not at first. “Build a reputation first, then let the price follow,” he says.
In a world constantly chasing the next thrill, Clifford N Parakh brings something rare—wonderment. For a few magical moments, he invites audiences into a world where logic takes a backseat and imagination takes flight. And that, as he rightly says, is the timeless appeal of magic.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
Comedian and actor Kiku Sharda has finally addressed the swirling rumours surrounding his exit from The Great Indian Kapil Show and an alleged fallout with fellow cast member Krushna Abhishek. In a black-and-white Instagram post shared on Friday, Kiku posed alongside Krushna, subtly silencing whispers of a feud.
In his caption, Kiku wrote, “Don’t fall for all this gossip and rumours. If I have left ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, I will always be a part of the show and this family.”
He also reminded fans that the show is still ongoing and available to stream on Netflix, adding, “Toh yeh sab chhodo aur jao Netflix pe show dekho – sirf 3 episode baaki hain.” (So leave all these and go to Netflix to watch the show – only three episodes are left.)
The heartfelt post appears to be a direct response to several media reports speculating that a behind-the-scenes rift had caused Kiku to step away from the comedy series. However, his message clearly underlines his commitment to the show and to his long-standing camaraderie with the cast.
The Great Indian Kapil Show, hosted by Kapil Sharma and featuring a recurring cast of popular comedians including Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and others, has been a fan favourite for its signature humor and celebrity guest line-up. With only a few episodes left in the current season, fans can now enjoy the remaining shows with reassurance that their favourite stars remain united behind the scenes.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
The wait is over! Bigg Boss, India’s most-watched and most-discussed reality show, returns for its 19th season with a diverse and dynamic lineup of 16 contestants. As always, the iconic Salman Khan steps in once again as the host — or as he calls himself, “Host aur Dost.” With a mix of talent from television, film, digital media, fashion, and music, this season is expected to be a rollercoaster of drama, competition, and emotional highs and lows.
The final contestant list is packed with energy, diversity, and star power. Leading the charge is actor Gaurav Khanna, known for his role in Anupamaa and his win in Celebrity MasterChef. Musician and composer Amaal Malik adds musical gravitas and a grounded personality. Actress Kunickaa Sadanand, a veteran of the silver screen and social activism, brings wisdom and strong opinion. Nehal Chudasama and Tanya Mittal add glam and grit from the world of beauty pageants, while reality show champ Baseer Ali is ready to bring the heat.
Ashnoor Kaur, one of the youngest contestants, is set to shine with her child-actor-to-star journey. Pranit More adds humor and charm as a Marathi RJ and comedian, while Zeeshan Quadri — known for Gangs of Wasseypur — adds depth and firepower with his storytelling mind. Neelam Giri, Bhojpuri film star, brings regional flavor and mass appeal. Abhishek Bajaj, seen in both Bollywood and TV, adds charisma and competitiveness to the mix.
Digital creators dominate the lineup this year with Awez Darbar, one of India’s top choreographers and influencers, and Nagma Mirajkar, a social media sensation with bold opinions and emotional appeal. Polish-Indian actress Natalia Janoszek introduces global flair, while Farhana Bhat adds a relatable, youth-centric edge as a rising digital talent. The final fan-favorite entry is Mridul Tiwari aka The MriDul, one of India’s top YouTube comedians, entering the house via public vote.
Together, these 16 contestants form a power-packed mix of personalities, talents, and backstories. With an elaborate game format, stunning house design, and high-voltage interactions awaiting, Season 19 is already generating buzz. Fans can expect drama, emotional journeys, and unpredictable moments — all under the watchful eye of Salman Khan.
