On the occasion of World Music Day, some of India’s most popular and celebrated musical talents have come together to share what music truly means to them. From award-winning composers to beloved playback singers and fresh young voices, artists like B Praak, Jubin Nautiyal, Shilpa Rao, Jonita Gandhi, Stebin Ben, Shalmali Kholgade, and Kushagra opened up with heartfelt responses to just one question: What does music mean to you?

Their answers go beyond fame or performances and offer a rare, emotional insight into their relationship with music — revealing how deeply it shapes their lives.

For B Praak, music is a lifeline.

"Music is a lifeline to me, and it's more than just sound. My feelings, my honesty, and my journey are all reflected in every song I compose or sing. In both my best and worst times, music has been there for me. I just feel thankful that I get to live and breathe this gift every single day."

Jubin Nautiyal describes music as his oxygen.

"In times of chaos, it brings me calm. When I feel weak, it gives me power. Whether I’m performing live or just sitting in the hills with my guitar, music allows me to connect with others and express myself — without needing words. It’s magic – and I live in it."

Shilpa Rao sees music as her personal sanctuary.

"It’s where I go to find clarity, to feel understood. The experiences, the people, the collaborations — all of it has helped me grow. Music doesn’t just tell stories; it saves memories."

Jonita Gandhi calls music her evolving identity.

"It’s the bridge between who I was and who I’m becoming. Every note I sing reflects my past and my dreams for the future. There’s nothing more beautiful than knowing your music has touched someone’s soul."

Stebin Ben believes music is pure love.

"It’s how people remember their first love, a celebration, or a heartbreak — all through a song. I feel blessed that my voice becomes a part of people’s stories. On World Music Day, I’m just grateful to give love back through every melody."

Shalmali Kholgade describes music as her boldest self.

" It’s the one thing that encourages me to be fearless, experimental, and authentic. I’ve found happiness, rebellion, and reflection in my songs. It’s a journey of constant evolution – and World Music Day is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and thank music for being the best friend I’ve ever had."

Kushagra, one of the youngest voices in the group, calls music his grounding force.

"Everything still feels like a dream, but one thing I know for sure — music helps me express what I can’t put into words. It’s powerful, emotional, and deeply personal. I hope to keep learning and make people feel something real through my voice."

On World Music Day, these artists remind us that behind every hit song and powerful performance lies a deeper connection — a truth, a journey, and a piece of the artist’s soul.

Song Link - https://open.spotify.com/track/68mgXmldYIOtfo0cOajuko?si=2-8PUaltTmWXnB1bpgLr2Q

After turning up the heat at Zomaland with a powerhouse live set that’s been doing the rounds online, Indian pop sensation Shalmali Kholgade is back in the spotlight, this time with a thought-provoking new English single titled “all good?”. Released today across all major streaming platforms, the track fuses infectious pop grooves with a message that hits home.

Known for her electric stage presence, Shalmali’s recent performances have been making waves on social media, with her fresh takes on fan-favourite tracks going viral and reminding everyone why she remains one of the most versatile voices in Indian music today. “all good?” adds another bold chapter to her sonic evolution.

On the surface, it’s an upbeat, feel-good bop but peel back the layers, and you’ll find a sharp commentary on modern consumerism. Shalmali reflects on the constant chase for “more” - more things, more validation and how that pursuit often distances us from what truly matters. With shimmering production and an earworm hook, “all good?” invites listeners to vibe and reflect.

“This song is like a mirror to the world we live in today,” says Shalmali. “We keep running after material things and forget about real meaning. I wanted this song to start a conversation while still making people enjoy the music and feel something.”

“all good?” marks Shalmali’s return to English music, following a string of strong independent releases like “Chills”, “Here is Beautiful”, and her critically-acclaimed bilingual album “2X Side B”. While she first captured hearts with Bollywood blockbusters like Pareshaan, Balam Pichkari, and Lat Lag Gayee, she’s spent the last few years reinventing her sound leaning into singer-songwriter territory, experimenting with genres, and owning the indie-pop space with refreshing authenticity.

Mumbai: In an industry where visibility defines value, Midahat Zahra Khan has emerged as a name synonymous with strategic celebrity and sports public relations. As the Founder of MK Communications & PR, she has redefined how public images are shaped across industries working with global icons like Abdu Rozik and Jad Hadid, and India’s celebrated sports star Saina Nehwal, while also elevating television, OTT, and Bollywood personas through customised PR strategies.

With over five years of industry expertise, Midahat’s agency specialises in curating distinctive narratives for each client be it for music album launches, high-profile birthday celebrations, advertising tie-ups, or strategic brand image management. Known for her creative vision and personalised approach, she believes that no two PR strategies should ever be the same.

“Every artist is different, and their PR should reflect that,” Midahat shares. “A one-size-fits-all approach never works. Whether it’s a television actor or an international music star, each client needs a personalised strategy based on the kind of work they’re doing. That’s how we ensure their story stands out.”

“I never treat PR like a competition,” she says. “There are many PR firms doing excellent work. But I believe that if you focus on quality and client trust, you don’t need to rush. Competition often leads to shortcuts whereas building a client’s brand requires patience, thoughtfulness, and long-term vision.” “There are challenges, yes but that’s the exciting part of being a publicist,” she adds. “Every story is different. And when you manage everything from media strategy to crisis communication, you begin to understand the full scope of what real PR means.”

“More than anything, a positive public image matters the most,” Midahat quotes. “You can gain attention with sensationalism, but you gain respect with consistency and credibility. That’s our goal at MK to ensure long-term value, not just short-term buzz.”

Speaking about the emotional aspect of PR in the digital age, she says: “In today’s PR culture, it’s very important to connect the artist with their fandom. That bond is what keeps their story alive. We don’t just push content we build authentic relationships between celebrities and their audiences.”

Midahat further explains the importance of niche-specific strategy: “Whether it’s celebrity PR or sports PR, each niche demands detailed research and strategic execution. For sports legends like Saina Nehwal, it’s about performance, discipline, and public credibility. For entertainers, it’s about visibility, relatability, and emotion. Each domain has its own rhythm, and a successful PR plan has to match that pulse perfectly. “At MK, we don’t just manage stories we create long lasting positive image of the client. Whether it’s a rising talent or a global phenomenon, we work to make their journey visible, valuable, and memorable,” Midahat concludes.

With a clear focus and dedication, Midahat continues to inspire her clients to reach higher, proving that with the right strategy and passion, every story can shine.

The 17th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) awarded the Best Short Film Fiction title to Planet, a 25-minute film directed by Lomharsh. Tackling the global climate crisis, the film tells the heartfelt story of five children who, disillusioned by the lack of meaningful action from adults, take it upon themselves to combat the effects of global warming.

Through the lens of young protagonists, Planet sheds light on the urgency of addressing climate change. Inspired by their teacher’s innovative approach to environmental education, the children witness the devastating consequences of global warming and embark on a mission to make a difference. Their journey underscores the need for collective responsibility and serves as a powerful reminder of the role younger generations can play in shaping a sustainable future.

The film has already garnered acclaim, reaching the semi-finals at the 12th CMS Vatavaran Film Festival, further cementing its position as an impactful piece of environmental storytelling.

Lomharsh, an Indo-Australian filmmaker known for thought-provoking cinema, has delivered another standout project with Planet. His previous works, including Yeh Hai India, Chicken Biryani, and Mintoo, have also been recognized for their powerful narratives and social relevance. With Planet, he continues to push boundaries, combining compelling storytelling with an urgent call to action.

Adding to the film’s emotional impact is its evocative soundtrack composed by Kumar Deepak, featuring vocals by Altamash Faridi and Swati Sharma, with lyrics by Nitu Pandey Kranti. The talented cast, led by Sanjay Vyas, Mitali Nankani, and a group of promising young actors, delivers authentic and moving performances that bring the story to life.

Behind the scenes, casting director Kumar Shyam expertly selected the cast, while cinematographer Raj Kiran Gupta and editor Varun Daya Shanakar created a visually stunning narrative. Produced under the Shilom Media LLP banner, executive producer Avinash Kumar ensured the seamless execution of the project, with art direction by Vinay Singh and makeup by Shakeel Khan enhancing the film’s realism.

Planet marks another successful collaboration between Lomharsh and producer Sandeep Choudhary, following their award-winning projects Yeh Hai India and Chicken Biryani.

As Planet gears up for further screenings at international film festivals, its poignant message and cinematic brilliance continue to inspire audiences to take immediate action for the planet.

Actress Shanaya Sharma is all set to win hearts in the upcoming romantic-comedy Ajab Gajab Ishq. Playing a parallel lead, Shanaya will portray a lively and supportive friend, adding wit and energy to the film’s narrative.

Sharing her excitement, Shanaya said, “This film is very special to me as it gave me the chance to explore a fun and unique character. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the laughter, emotions, and surprises Ajab Gajab Ishq has in store.”

Written and directed by Dhananjay Kumar Singh, the film is produced by Gagan Verma under the Adhishri Films banner. Shot in Indore, the movie promises a refreshing take on the romantic-comedy genre, blending humor, drama, and unexpected twists.

Shanaya Sharma, a familiar face in television, has previously impressed audiences with her roles in Chandra Nandini on Star Plus and Fear Files on Zee TV. Her performances showcased her versatile acting skills and screen presence, earning her critical acclaim.

Beyond television, Shanaya has also made her mark in the music industry. Her appearance in Kaisa Nasha under Zee Music in 2019 gained significant praise. She further wowed fans in T-Series’ hit song Laare Da Ki Kariye, alongside Nishant Malkhani, where her charm and talent stood out.

With Ajab Gajab Ishq, Shanaya continues her upward trajectory, bringing her vibrant personality to this much-anticipated film. As the release date nears, excitement grows among her fans, eager to see her light up the screen with a mix of humor, warmth, and charm.

Promising a heartwarming story filled with laughter and surprises, Ajab Gajab Ishq is poised to become a delightful addition to Shanaya Sharma’s flourishing career.

Amritsar witnessed the grand launch of Mapisa 369, a leading construction chemicals company, at Punjab PITEX (Punjab International Trade Expo) 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for the company as it strengthens its presence in Punjab, showcasing its commitment to innovation and quality in the construction chemicals industry.

The launch event was graced by esteemed personalities, including Virendra Khosla, Consultant and former Vertical Head of Saint Gobain, Mapisa's Managing Director and President’s Award recipient Ashok H. Chaudhary, Amritsar-based business partner Shiv Shukla (owner of The House Codz and Mahesh Ceramics), and Mapisa’s Marketing Head Gaurav Singh. The launch highlights Mapisa's strategic vision to expand in Punjab, emphasizing its dedication to providing high-quality solutions to the construction industry.

Virendra Khosla lauded Mapisa’s initiative and appreciated the company’s focus on vitrified tile products. He extended his congratulations to the team while inaugurating the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Ashok H. Chaudhary emphasized, “Mapisa stands for strength, not compulsion. We are India’s first company providing a 10-year guarantee on our products. Our mission aligns with the vision of a self-reliant India, promoting indigenous solutions.”

Chaudhary criticized multinational brands for selling adhesives incompatible with ceramic tile flooring, calling it deceptive to consumers. He stressed the need for a regulatory committee to ensure quality standards in the adhesives market.

With this launch, Mapisa is poised to challenge global competitors and strengthen the Indian construction chemicals market, contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Jaipur. The grand finale of Mr. Rajasthan 2024 (Season 3), Rajasthan's premier men's pageant, concluded with a spectacular royal battle. Udaipur's Karan Singh Rajpurohit emerged victorious, clinching the coveted title at a star-studded event held on Sunday at The Trade Fair Resort, Ajmer Road, Jaipur. Actor and supermodel Thakur Anoop Singh was the celebrity guest, adding glamour to the evening.

The competition saw Samir Jasooja as the first runner-up, Vashishtha Gehlot as the second runner-up, Prithviraj Singh securing the third runner-up position, and Salim Razzaq being crowned the fourth runner-up. The top 20 finalists, selected from various cities across Rajasthan, showcased their talent through multiple rounds, including auditions, tasks, and stage performances.

A media interaction was organized on Monday at Hotel Regal, Ajmer Road, Jaipur, where the winners shared their experiences and aspirations. Speaking about the journey, Karan Singh Rajpurohit expressed his excitement, stating, "No title is too small or big. This pageant has boosted my confidence to explore opportunities at the national level." Other winners echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of family, friends, and their journey throughout the competition.

Event organizer and founder-director Anoop Choudhary highlighted the pageant's unique aspects, emphasizing its role as a platform for aspiring male models from Rajasthan. "The three-day event brought together talent from all over the state, providing them with a stage to shine. The winners will now get opportunities in movies, web series, music videos, and print shoots," he added.

The media interaction saw participation from key winners, including Karan Singh Rajpurohit (winner), Vashishtha Gehlot (second runner-up), and Salim Razzaq (fourth runner-up). They shared heartfelt stories of determination, learning, and the invaluable support of their loved ones. The event marked yet another milestone for Mr. Rajasthan, setting the stage for its upcoming seasons.