Tag: #writing

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.

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.

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.

Films

SC Refuses Ban on Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, Says Title Not Defamatory

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development highlighting the intersection of cinema and constitutional rights, the Supreme Court of India has refused to impose a ban on the film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, dismissing a petition that challenged its title. The plea, filed by the chief of the Vishwa Yadav Parishad, argued that the film’s name portrayed the Yadav community in a negative light and sought either a ban or a change in the title.

Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan examined the arguments and the material presented before them. The court ultimately found the concerns to be unfounded, stating that the title of the film did not contain any language or implication that could be seen as derogatory towards the Yadav community.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the court could not understand how the title alone could reflect negatively on an entire community, especially when it lacked any explicit or implied negative descriptors. The bench emphasised that none of the reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19(2) of the Constitution—which governs limitations on freedom of speech and expression—were applicable in this case.

The court also drew a distinction between this matter and a previous controversy surrounding the film Ghooskhor Pandat. In that instance, the word “ghooskhor,” meaning corrupt, was deemed to carry a clearly negative connotation that could reflect poorly on a community, prompting judicial intervention. However, in the present case, the bench noted that no such negative association existed in the title Yadav Ji Ki Love Story.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that their objection was not to inter-community relationships depicted in the film, but rather to how certain aspects, including the portrayal of a woman, were handled. Despite these arguments, the court maintained that the film is a work of fiction and does not warrant judicial interference based on speculative concerns.

With the petition dismissed, the path is now clear for the film’s release, scheduled for February 27. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on protecting creative expression while carefully weighing claims of community harm, once again underlining the importance of context and intent in such disputes.

Music

Arijit Singh’s Unfinished Melodies: A Goodbye That Doesn’t Quite End

Tanisha Cardozo

When Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from playback singing earlier this year, it felt like a quiet storm passing through the music world. There was no drama, no grand farewell—just a simple note, almost like one of his songs, understated yet deeply emotional. For fans who have grown up with his voice stitched into their memories, it felt personal.

But now, in a message that feels both comforting and bittersweet, Arijit has reminded everyone that endings are rarely absolute. In a heartfelt note shared with his listeners, he expressed gratitude for the love he has received in what he called a “ruthless world.” At the same time, he revealed something that instantly reignited hope—his journey isn’t entirely over yet. There are still many songs left unfinished, and those songs will continue to find their way to listeners over the course of this year, possibly even beyond.

It’s a revelation that changes the tone of his “retirement.” Instead of a sudden silence, what lies ahead is a slow fading echo—new releases that carry the essence of what he has always been known for: emotion, depth, and an uncanny ability to make every listener feel seen. For fans, this means that the connection isn’t being cut off abruptly. Instead, it’s being extended, gently, song by song.

His note, however, wasn’t just about music. It carried a philosophical undertone—advice to step away from noise, to read, to meditate, to find peace. It felt like Arijit wasn’t just signing off from playback singing, but also urging people to reconnect with themselves in a world that rarely slows down. And then came the line that has stayed with everyone: “Who knows what lies ahead?”

That one sentence has sparked countless interpretations. Is it a hint at a possible return? Or simply an acknowledgment that life is unpredictable, even for someone who seems so certain about stepping back? Fans, of course, are holding on to hope. Because when an artist like Arijit leaves the door even slightly open, it’s hard not to imagine him walking back in someday.

Interestingly, his retirement announcement in January had already created waves across the industry. Even Aamir Khan personally visited him, urging him not to quit, especially while working on the title track of Ek Din, a film connected to his son. The moment, captured in a behind-the-scenes video, showed just how valued Arijit is—not just as a singer, but as an emotion that filmmakers rely on. Meanwhile, voices like Shreya Ghoshal stood in support of his decision, respecting the choice of an artist who has given so much over the years.

What makes this phase particularly intriguing is its in-between nature. Arijit Singh is neither fully present in the playback scene nor completely gone. He exists in this space where his past work continues to breathe, and his unfinished songs promise a future that hasn’t entirely closed.

And maybe that’s what makes it so poetic. Because if there’s one thing Arijit Singh has always done, it’s leave us with feelings that linger long after the music stops.