Arijit Singh’s decision to step back from playback singing sent shockwaves across the music industry. While some called it the end of an era, others expressed excitement about what the singer might explore next. In a moment that left fans stunned, Arijit returned to the stage for the first time since his retirement, joining Anoushka Shankar for a special performance. Arijit Singh’s first live performance after retirement Arijit was present as a guest performer at sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar’s show at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium. A clip shows the crowd hooting and cheering for Arijit as Anoushka invites him on stage. Coming on stage, Arijit, while interacting with the audience, said, “I am very nervous. Thank you for having me.” Anoushka and Arijit, along with Bickram Ghosh, sang Maya Bhora Raati. The song is a Bengali track originally performed by Lakshmi Shankar, with music composed by the late sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar. Following the performance, Arijit also mentioned visiting Anoushka at her home, where they collaborated on composing a song together. Probably the first time that one heard #ArijitSingh after his retirement from bollywood playback !When two legends from Bengal enthralled us in KolkataThe audience was stunned when #anoushkashankar announced her surprise guest the one and only ARIJIT SINGH !! pic.twitter.com/fyFX7CCRRn — Suparna (@shupornaa) February 8, 2026 Videos and photographs from the concert quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention. “I feel so emotional—happy and heartbroken at the same time,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “It feels like listening to him live after ages.” About Arijit Singh’s retirement On January 27, Arijit Singh shared on his social media handles that he would not take any new assignments as a playback singer. “Hello. Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to take any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it quits. It was a wonderful journey,” he wrote in a note on Instagram. Talking about Arijit Singh, the singer has, over the last decade, gone on to become one of the most influential voices of contemporary Hindi cinema. Over the years, the superstar singer has delivered a string of chart-topping songs across genres, including Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Gerua, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kesariya, Phir Le Aaya Dil, Khairiyat and Shayad, among many other hits. Known for keeping a low profile, the singer leads an extremely quiet personal life with his wife, Koel Roy, and their children.
09 February,2026 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStop me if you can Sunny Deol and Nikhil Nagesh Bhat Actor Sunny Deol has once again delivered a strong box-office performance with Border 2, which has reportedly collected over R302 crore at the box-office. And wow, we have learnt that he is already working on his next project. The buzz is that Sunny is set to collaborate with Kill (2023) director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat for a “big-scale action film”. The high-octane action thriller, which will see Sunny in a new avatar, is expected to go on floors in the second half of this year. Success has a number Tamannaah Bhatia I am all for numbers, actor Tamannaah Bhatia said, stressing that views, likes, and box-office figures are an indication of how many people have engaged with a film or song. Tamannaah, who shot to renewed fame with Stree 2 (2024) dance number, Aaj ki raat, believes success is measurable. She said, “I believe we should give importance to numbers because from that we can ascertain which film or song has been watched a lot by people. So, numbers and art are not different, rather they are reflections of one another,” she said. Love is in the air (L-R) Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan. PICS/SHADAB KHAN, YOGEN SHAH, INSTAGRAM The OG royal couple of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, were spotted in Mumbai as the Nawab treated his wife to some jewellery ahead of Valentine’s Day. The stylish outing had fans and onlookers gushing over the duo’s timeless charm and understated elegance.
09 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamWhen composer Prateek Rajagopal left India in 2019 to build a career in Hollywood, returning to score a Hindi feature wasn’t exactly part of the plan. But Tu Yaa Main, director Bejoy Nambiar’s survival thriller, came calling. What drew the composer to the project was the sensibility. “I’ve always wanted to work with filmmakers who are thoughtful and experimental. Bejoy was like that,” said the musician. Rajagopal’s transition from Hollywood productions to a Hindi feature revealed glaring differences. He pointed out that a structured ecosystem exists in Hollywood. “There is a dedicated music department of music editors, mixers, and agents. Here, I ended up wearing every hat, from scoring the film to writing music for the trailer and teaser.” Prateek Rajagopal The process of developing the background score for the Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor-led thriller was “intense, but also rewarding” for him. Considering it was a creature thriller that sees the leads battling for survival against a crocodile, the score had to mirror the film’s pulse. “Genre films like this really thrive on score. Think of something like Jaws [1975]; you can’t separate the film from its theme. Creepy string melodies, retro synth ideas, and specific percussive rhythms are all wrapped in a modern electronic production language,” he explained. Developing a score that reflected the leads’ tension and dread became a back-and-forth exchange between Nambiar and him, as they fed off each other. With Tu Yaa Main, Rajagopal consciously wanted to export one facet from Hollywood. “Hollywood films place an emphasis on background score, whereas in Hindi cinema, the focus has traditionally been on songs. I wanted to bring that level of care and intention to the score here.”
09 February,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuFor Rakesh Chaurasia, the flute is his best friend, something that keeps him “balanced and alive”. As the globally renowned flautist tours India, he believes live concerts have become something more than an interaction between an artiste and the audience — they remind people of the beauty of authenticity in today’s world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fabrication. In a chat with mid-day, Chaurasia discusses the changing concert landscape and the perils of AI. Excerpts from the interview. What motivates you to perform live after all these years?Live concerts are a lifesaver for performing artistes. In this world of AI, you never know what you are listening to — whether it is the person actually playing or something fabricated. Live music is still safe. Whatever mistakes happen, they happen in front of people, and you correct them. The energy, positivity, and connection you get from the audience are the biggest motivation. Has AI affected classical musicians like you?I have heard that my uncle Hariji’s [Hariprasad Chaurasia] and my tone have already been taken. If everybody starts sounding like Lataji [Mangeshkar] or Kishore Kumarji, then there is no individuality. Inspiration is different from becoming a carbon copy. We need guidance from legends, but we must polish what is within us and present that. Has the audience changed over the years?In the last few years, I’ve seen more young people attending classical concerts. I was recently in London and was surprised to see so many youngsters in the audience. You had earlier said that you used to think playing a flute was easy, but then your perspective changed.People think it’s just a piece of bamboo. Even I thought playing the flute was easy when I was four, but then I grew up. Now, after so many years, I realise how difficult it is. It needs a lot of breath, lung power, and inner energy. What excites you about stepping outside your comfort zone?I am always searching to learn something new. Collaborations force you to adapt. That curiosity comes from Hariji. He never stopped us from experimenting. Music has only seven notes. Even today, with all the progress, nobody has found an eighth note. It’s something God has kept in his own hands. Your music often leaves listeners feeling calm. Is that intentional?Legends like Hariji and Zakir [Hussain] bhai always said, ‘Play for yourself first. If you enjoy what you are doing, the audience will enjoy it too.’ Earlier, artistes wanted instant applause. With maturity, you realise music should first please your own heart. One lesson you learnt from your uncle, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I have never seen him get angry. He believes that anger ruins your performance. I learnt to keep myself calm, avoid arguments, and focus only on what I want to do on stage
09 February,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalWhile trade circles are abuzz with speculation that Battle of Galwan may miss its Eid release, Salman Khan and director Apoorva Lakhia are going full throttle. The team has begun shooting a special dance number from February 6, with Shabina Khan as the choreographer. An insider told us, “It’s a celebratory song. The unit is currently filming in Gorai, after which they will move to a set that has been constructed at Golden Tobacco in Vile Parle.” After the number is wrapped by February 12, only a two-week shoot will remain of the war drama that chronicles the 2020 military clash that took place between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley. About the movie missing its April 17 release date, the insider said, “It’s all speculation stemming from talk that the film may need a clearance from the Ministry of Defence. The makers are aiming for an Eid release. If they are unable to meet it, they’ll line it up for Independence Day.” Salman songs choreographed by Shabina Khan>> ‘Naach Meri Jaan’ (‘Tubelight’)>> ‘Dil De Diya’ (‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’) >> ‘Naiyo Lagda’ (‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’)
09 February,2026 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuOver the past few days, Suniel Shetty has been poring over the pages of Black Scorpion: To Hell and Back. And it’s not just for leisure. mid-day has exclusively learnt that the actor is planning to turn the recently published book — which chronicles the life of Shyam Kishore Garikapati, one of the most feared operatives in Mumbai’s underworld in the late 1980s and 1990s — into a web series. (L-R) Vijay Shekhar, Suniel Shetty, Raju Santhanam, and Calvin Joshua. Pics/Instagram, X, Youtube In some ways, Garikapati’s life has all that you need for a true crime thriller. Authored by veteran crime journalists Vijay Shekhar, Raju Santhanam, and Calvin Joshua, Black Scorpion revisits how Garikapati got pulled into gang wars and moved through the inner circles of Dawood Ibrahim, Arun Gawli, and more. A source revealed, “Suniel thinks the story has the potential to be a thrilling web series. He likes such subjects. What makes the story more interesting is how Garikapati — known in the police circles as Black Scorpion — turned his life around after meeting top cop Kiran Bedi in Tihar Jail and eventually became a businessman.” The actor, who is in talks with the authors for adaptation rights, may play the titular role. Co-author Joshua confirmed the development, saying, “When Suniel Anna read the synopsis, he was fascinated by the arc. He decided to not only unveil the book, but also pursue the rights to adapt it into a series.” Shekhar added that the star has been “a mentor” to him since they first met on the sets of Waqt Hamara Hai (1993). Who is Shyam Kishore Garikapati? At 16, Garikapati was on the brink of joining the Indian Air Force. But he got pulled into gang wars and moved through the inner circles of Dawood Ibrahim, Arun Gawli, and more. As a prisoner in Tihar Jail, he met top cop Kiran Bedi. That set him on a path of reform, and he eventually became a businessman.
09 February,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRSometimes a good story is not enough. It takes years, and a new identity even, for it to come to life. Who knows this better than Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan as they reunited after 16 years for ‘Bhooth Bangla’? Sources have told mid-day that the upcoming horror comedy was originally planned as the sequel to their hit, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ (2007). The first look of ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Led by Kumar and Vidya Balan, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ was a big hit on its release. Apparently, the superstar and director Priyadarshan were keen to take the franchise forward. A still from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ A source revealed, “Priyadarshan had written a draft for a sequel. He was certain that if the franchise were to be taken ahead, it would be with Akshay. But things didn’t materialise then. Later, T-Series took the franchise forward with director Anees Bazmee and Kartik Aaryan. When Priyan sir and Akshay decided to reunite, he reworked that draft.” Priyadarshan ‘Bhooth Bangla’ also stars Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and late Asrani. SixMovies Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan have collaborated on
09 February,2026 07:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma2026 seems to be all about cherishing old memories and keeping up with the trend, actress Mahima Chaudhry decided to recreate a special moment from her memorable hit 'Dhadkan' with co-star Shilpa Shetty. She took to her official Instagram handle and posted a picture twinning with Shilpa in cream attire. While Mahima posed in a beautiful saree, Shilpa opted to accompany her in a salwar kameez Both the ladies were seen smiling at the camera in the picture captioned, "Dhadkan in 2026 (sic)". The musical romantic drama directed by Dharmesh Darshan and produced by Ratan Jain also starred Suniel Shetty as the lead. Recently, during an exclusive conversation with IANS, Suniel revealed how he laid the seeds for the health and wellness industry with "Dhadkan". Speaking during the promotions of 'Bharat Ke Super Founders', he jokingly shared that his character Dev made a huge empire within a year just by walking on foot. Talking about how he managed to build up the empire in a year, Suniel told IANS, "By walking. Fitness is the biggest business. I got that awareness then, that's why today I have such a big business. So, I walked, got tired, fell, got up, walked, got tired. So, what was there in this? There was a lot of knowledge for mindset, mind and fitness". "So, somewhere, somewhere. When I sold it, what was there? At that time, there were a lot of problems with income tax. So, I didn't disclose it. Now everyone knows. Because now INR 500 crores is nothing. It was a lot then. That's why I decided I will talk about it now," he went on to add. Produced by Venus Records & Tapes, the project also featured Sharmila Tagore, Parmeet Sethi, Kiran Kumar, Sushma Seth, and Manjeet Kullar in supporting roles, along with others. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 11:02 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Anupam Kher had a small scare during his morning walk when he lost his credit card. After searching for it for hours, he thought it might be gone for good. But soon, an act of kindness restored his faith in people. A security guard, Sanjay Yadav, found the card and ensured it was returned to the actor. Kher later shared a video on Instagram to thank the guard and tell his followers about the honest gesture. In the video Kher shared on Sunday, the actor said he was worried when he lost the card. However, he was soon relieved after Yadav returned it without asking for anything in return. In the video, the actor said, "Sanjay Yadav ji, aap bada mahan aadmi hain. Mera subah morning walk jaate samay, credit card gir gaya tha, aur main kaafi dhundha, kaafi pareshan tha, because us par PIN nahi tha. Phir mujhe Dattu ji ka phone aaya ki kisko credit card mila. What a beautiful thing to do! He found my credit card and returned it." (Mr. Sanjay Yadav, you are a great man. This morning, while I was going for my morning walk, my credit card fell, and I searched for it a lot and was very worried because it had my PIN on it. Then I got a call from Mr. Dattu saying that someone had found my credit card. What a beautiful thing to do! He found my credit card and returned it.)" On the work front, Anupam Kher has recently wrapped up shooting for 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2.' The original film, released in 2006 and directed by Dibakar Banerjee, went on to become a fan favourite for its simple storytelling and strong performances. Prior to 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2,' Kher directed his second film, 'Tanvi The Great,' which stars debutant Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:55 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIIt's a special day at actor Vikrant Massey's home as his son Vardaan just turned two, and to mark the moment, his wife Sheetal Thakur shared a heartfelt message for their little one. Sheetal took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone with a series of adorable mother-and-son pictures. In the photos, Vardaan is seen nestled close to her, and the moments feel intimate and full of affection. Along with the images, Sheetal shared a heartfelt message that reflected how deeply motherhood has changed her. Sheetal reflected on how her son has become the center of her world, the reason her "heart beats louder" and her life feels "brighter" every single day. She also wrote about wanting Vardaan to remember their bond just as it appears in these captured moments. In her post, she wrote: "Dear Vardaan, you are the reason my heart beats louder... my dreams stretch further... and my world feels brighter every day." "Can't believe you are 2 already! This is how I want to remember us when you grow up. I love you so much it hurts... Happy birthday, baby." Vikrant and Sheetal welcomed Vardaan on February 7, 2024. The couple, who had been together for several years, first registered their marriage in a civil ceremony on February 14, 2022, and later celebrated with a traditional wedding in Himachal Pradesh on February 18 of the same year. Vikrant also made news earlier in the day when he refuted rumors about Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming Ramayana. Reports had suggested that he was being replaced by Raghav Juyal in the second installment. Vikrant firmly shut down the speculation, saying he was never part of the project to begin with. Taking to Instagram Stories, the National Award-winning actor wrote that the reports were misleading and should have been verified, adding that he was "disappointed" by the rumors. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTamil star Sivakarthikeyan, who met actor Ajith at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, has now praised Ajith, saying he had spent an "inspiring day" with an "inspiring person". Taking to his Instagram page to share pictures of him meeting Ajith Kumar, the actor wrote, "Pure passion, commitment, dedication and resilience - experienced it live, felt the adrenaline rush. An inspiring day spent with an inspiring person. Always look up to you, my dear #AK sir." Sivakarthikeyan is the latest Tamil star to visit Ajith, whose team is participating in a series of international car racing competitions. It may be recalled that just a few days ago, music director Yuvan Shankar Raja had met Ajith Kumar at the Dubai Autodrome. Yuvan Shankar Raja's meeting had come at a time when actor Ajith's superhit film 'Mankatha', which was recently re-released, was setting the box office on fire. Just a couple of days before Yuvan Shankar Raja had called on Ajith, actor Madhavan had interacted with Ajith at the Dubai Autodrome. Earlier this month, actress Nayanthara and her director husband, Vignesh Shivan, too had arrived at the Dubai Autodrome to cheer for actor Ajith, who took part in the popular Dubai 24H Series event. Prior to Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan, actor Sibi Sathyaraj had taken to his X timeline to share a video clip that showed Ajith warmly receiving him and his family members at the circuit. Sharing the video clip, Sibi Sathyaraj had said, "It was a real pleasure to meet #Ajithkumar sir at the #24HDubai racing event today. Was truly impressed by all the effort and hard work he has put into pursuing his passion. As always it was wonderful conversing and spending quality time with you dear sir.Thanks for the opportunity!" Before Sibi, one of India's top music directors Anirudh had called on actor Ajith Kumar on the Marina Race Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, actor Ajith Kumar's efforts on the race track are to be made into a docu-film, which sources say will be released in theatres on May 1 this year on the occasion of his birthday. Sources close to the actor had confirmed to IANS that ace Tamil film director A L Vijay is directing this docu-film, which will be around 90 minutes long and will seek to inspire scores of youngsters to pursue their dreams. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:35 PM IST | Chennai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
