Tag: film

Entertainment

Jung Il-woo Returns with KBS Drama Splendid Days

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Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Seoul, July 2025 — Beloved Korean actor Jung Il-woo is making an emotional and inspiring return to television with Splendid Days, KBS 2TV’s new weekend drama. This marks not only his first appearance in a weekend slot but also his first return to KBS in 16 years, following his last project with the broadcaster in 2009.

Best known for his charming roles in romantic dramas such as Cinderella and the Four Knights and My Fair Lady, Jung Il-woo now embraces a more complex and grounded role in this multigenerational family drama. Splendid Days promises to explore themes of love, loss, and legacy across different generations, making it a shift in tone for the actor.

What makes his comeback all the more meaningful is his ongoing health battle. Jung Il-woo revealed he was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm after a serious car accident over a decade ago. Describing his condition as “living with a ticking time bomb,” Jung has continued to monitor his health closely while staying committed to his passion for acting.

In preparation for the role, he underwent intense physical and emotional preparation, even losing 5kg in just one month. “It’s not just a comeback; it’s a personal journey,” Jung said in a recent interview.

He stars alongside Jung In-sun, with a stellar supporting cast including Yoon Hyun-min, Lee Tae-ran, and veteran actor Chun Ho-jin. The series is expected to deliver strong ratings, as KBS weekend dramas often command large family audiences and long-format storytelling.

Splendid Days represents more than just another K-drama — it’s a story of perseverance, growth, and the enduring spirit of one of Korea’s most admired actors.

Fans can expect the premiere later this year, with filming currently underway. Jung Il-woo’s return is already generating excitement across K-drama fandoms worldwide.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goa’s finest jewels 💎

Exclusive Interview with Samiksha Desai: A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Creativity

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Samiksha Desai is a talented actor who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. In this exclusive interview, Samiksha opens up about her childhood, her journey into acting, and her experiences in the industry.

Samiksha grew up in Panjim, Goa, and spent her vacations with her cousins in Margao. She fondly remembers her aunt teaching her handwriting and the fun times she had with her cousins. Her childhood experiences have shaped her into the person she is today.

Samiksha’s father played a crucial role in her decision to pursue acting. He enrolled her in the Kala Academy School of Drama in 2007, and she has been hooked on acting ever since. Her most memorable role to date was in the play “Aks Paheli” during her school days.

Samiksha believes in keeping things simple and setting clear boundaries between her personal and professional life. She prioritizes her work and personal time, takes breaks, and does things she enjoys. Open communication with her colleagues and family also helps her maintain a healthy balance.

Samiksha’s passion for acting is driven by the excitement of learning new things and making a difference. She loves being creative, solving problems, and seeing the impact of her work on others.

Samiksha has faced challenges in the industry, including being judged for her career choice. However, her father’s support and her own determination have helped her overcome these obstacles. Her advice to young talent is to stay true to themselves, focus on refining their skills, and be patient and persistent.

Samiksha’s goal for the next chapter of her life and work is to grow, take on new challenges, and enjoy the process. She wants to build strong connections with people, collaborate on projects, and find a balance between her passions and her job.

Samiksha Desai is a talented actor from Goa, India. She has been active in the entertainment industry for several years and has worked on various projects, including plays and events. Samiksha is passionate about her craft and is committed to continuously improving her skills and taking on new challenges.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities

Meet Divya Krishna Shirodkar: The 22-Year-Old Fashion Designer and Model Taking the Industry by Storm

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Divya Krishna Shirodkar is a name to watch in the fashion industry. At just 22 years old, this talented fashion designer and model has already made a significant impact, strutting down the catwalk for top designers and gracing the covers of prominent fashion magazines.

Divya’s love affair with fashion began at a young age. Growing up in Sancoale, Goa, she was always fascinated by the world of fashion and photography. She started her modeling career at 17 and has since participated in numerous beauty pageants and fashion shows, including the prestigious Lakme Fashion Week.

Divya’s modeling career has been marked by several highlights, including walking the runway for top designers like Samant Chauhan and participating in beauty pageants like Miss Goa and Miss India. She has also won several titles, including Miss Goa Best Fitness 2019 and Miss Cosmic India 2023.

Divya’s personal style is trendy and chic, and she loves experimenting with different fashion trends. Her favorite fashion trend at the moment is high-waist flared jeans paired with crop tops. She also admires the work of top designers like Sabyasachi and hopes to collaborate with them in the future.

Divya believes in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her skincare routine is simple yet effective. She swears by the universal skincare routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. She also prioritizes self-care, healthy eating, and regular exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.

In her free time, Divya loves to cook, play with her dog, and go for long walks. She is also passionate about event management and has volunteered at local shelters and participated in fundraising events for causes close to her heart.

Divya’s future aspirations include expanding her modeling career, working with reputable brands, and possibly exploring opportunities in acting or hosting. She also hopes to use her platform to advocate for important causes and inspire others in the industry.

Divya is passionate about advocating for social causes, including mental health awareness, environmental conservation, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She believes in using her platform to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.

Divya has a quirky side, and one fun fact about her is that she can sleep for almost a day without any break. She is also a foodie but cannot complete a burger. Additionally, she has a hidden talent for playing the ghumot, a traditional musical instrument from Goa.

Divya’s advice to aspiring models is to be prepared for rejection and criticism, to develop a thick skin, and to prioritize self-care and physical and mental health. She also emphasizes the importance of networking, building relationships with industry professionals, and creating a strong online presence.

With her stunning looks, captivating personality, and passion for fashion, Divya Krishna Shirodkar is definitely a name to watch in the fashion industry.

IFFI 2024

55th IFFI Showcases ‘Force of Nature: The Dry 2’ in Country Focus: Australia Segment

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Celebrating the vibrancy and modernity of Australian cinema, 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), hosted in the vibrant state of Goa, showcased Force of Nature: The Dry 2 as a special feature in the “Country Focus: Australia” segment. Director, writer, and producer Robert Connolly engaged with the media in Goa today.

The film follows five women on an executive retreat into a remote wilderness, but only four of them return. Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk becomes deeply invested in uncovering the fate of the missing hiker. As he searches for answers, buried memories from his childhood in the same rugged landscape begin to resurface, intertwining with the mystery of what truly happened.

A cinematic brilliance, the film explores themes of justice, family loyalty, and the emotional scars of the past. It is a gripping thriller that blends a tense investigation with rich character-driven storytelling, set against the unforgiving backdrop of rural Australia.

While addressing the media, Robert Connolly expressed his deep admiration for Indian cinema, stating, “We learn about India through cinema, and I truly loved playing to a packed Indian audience.” When asked about the significance of landscapes in his films, he emphasized their vital role, describing them as ‘critical’ and even as special ‘characters’ in his stories. He further explained that understanding the impact of landscapes on people is essential to crafting meaningful narratives.

On the topic of addressing global issues like climate change through cinema, the director acknowledged the importance of the issue, stating, “It’s an important issue, and emerging filmmakers need to focus on creating films that highlight the impact of climate change.”

In the closing remarks, he also highlighted the growing global reach of Indian cinema, noting that it is watched in large numbers by audiences in Australia. The director also spoke highly of the IFFI, calling it “a foundation for building some exciting stories worldwide.”

IFFI 2024

18th edition of Film Bazaar kicks off at IFFI, Goa

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The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today witnessed the vibrant launch of 18th edition of Film Bazaar, South Asia’s premier film market. A significant segment of IFFI, Film Bazaar promises a dynamic platform for aspiring filmmakers and established industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and propel the future of cinema.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, while inaugurating Film Bazaar at IFFI, highlighted the record-breaking number of registrations (over 1500) and the presence of more than 10 country-specific pavilions. “This is an exceptional platform to nurture future filmmakers. From presenting ideas to securing deals, Film Bazaar fosters productive interactions across all levels of the industry,” he remarked.

He further elaborated on IFFI’s commitment to fostering young talent. “This year’s Creative Minds Of Tomorrow (CMOT) program, a beacon for discovering and nurturing India’s brightest young talents in filmmaking boasts of a significant expansion, welcoming 100 promising individuals”, he added.

Gracing the occasion, Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of 55th IFFI described Film Bazaar as an interesting platform where young filmmakers present their ideas and creations with passion. “Film Bazaar pulsates with the energy of young filmmakers showcasing their work with immense passion. I truly want to be here and feel that passion”, remarked the renowned filmmaker.

Vrunda Manohar Desai, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of I&B, unveiled details of the Co-Production Market, featuring 21 feature films and 8 web series from seven countries. Highlighting the Viewing Room, a vital resource for filmmakers seeking distribution and funding, she revealed that 208 films will be available for viewing this year, encompassing feature, mid-length, and short formats.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Jerome Paillard, Advisor Film Bazaar, and Nicholas McCaffrey, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India.