Sourabh Raaj Jain has stepped into the OTT space with the series Sangamarmar, starring alongside Sheen Dass. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-day, the actor opened up about playing Aditya in the show, the challenges of portraying the character across two age groups, and the emotional depth of the story. Speaking about the opportunity, Sourabh shared that being part of the project felt special from the very beginning. The show is backed by Rajshri Productions, a banner known for its focus on family-oriented storytelling. Reflecting on that, he said, “I think I feel extremely blessed that I got the opportunity to play Aditya. First, because it's from Rajshri Productions, who's known for its family values. The things that they make, they take great care of it.” Sourabh Raaj Jain on playing a complex character He further praised the way the production house handles relationships and emotions in its narratives. “In that, all the things related to family and relationships are shown very well. Not only in which you see fights, or you see screaming, or you see high intensity drama. I think they portray the moments with a lot of purity, which I personally like a lot.” The actor admitted that the offer initially surprised him, but things slowly fell into place after the audition process. “So when I got the call, I was a little surprised at first. But later, when I went, did audition, got selected, then we had a meeting. So slowly, that thing started sinking in, that yes, I'm finally doing this particular role.” One of the biggest attractions of the role for Sourabh was the opportunity to play the same character at two different stages of life. “Apart from this, another attraction was that Aditya's character simultaneously, in the show, is performing in two age groups. One is the younger Aditya, another one is the matured Aditya. So that challenge, as an actor, I think, was very unique for me. Because I've never done this before. So that was also very nice.” He also spoke about the complexity of portraying Aditya’s journey from a young medical graduate to a seasoned surgeon. “It was challenging, definitely, in a way that that particular character starts off in the story like he has just done his MBBS, and then later he has become a surgeon by the end of it. And both of them are simultaneously shooting for it.” Because the two timelines were filmed around the same time, Sourabh had to consciously differentiate between the younger and older versions of the character. “So, during that time, the young character, the way he talks, the way he speaks, or the way he walks, is going to be very different, and the person must become a surgeon. So, that was definitely challenging.” However, he credited the writing for helping him shape the performance. Referring to the script by Rajita Sharma, he said, “But I must say that, the first thing for an actor is what is there in the scene in terms of dialogues, in the words. I have worked with Rajita ma'am before, and she did it so well, that when you read it, you would feel that character with the words, those were it.” On his chemistry with Sheen Dass He added that the writing clearly highlighted the differences between the two phases of Aditya’s life. “Because when you read the scene, that's when you understand that, yes, the way he speaks has changed a little. The young one is different, and the old one is different. So that thing helps a lot. You definitely have to keep that thing in mind, in terms of physicality, mannerisms.” Talking about the emotional core of Sangamarmar, Sourabh said the story focuses on companionship and support rather than expectations in relationships. “I think one is to be together, and the other is to support each other. I think this story is more about supporting each other.” He concluded by highlighting the beauty of that idea within the narrative. “And there is a different beauty in that. That you are together, but there is no expectation. In fact, there is no expectation of staying together. So, that is a very beautiful thought, which has been beautifully weaved in this story.”
13 March,2026 03:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatThe final episode of Ekaki was unveiled last month. This marked the debut series of YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, who is widely known for his comedy sketches. With Ekaki, he also ventured into the science-fiction space, a series he wrote, directed, produced and acted in. Ashish on facing loss Ekaki marked a turning point in Ashish’s career as well as a major creative pivot. The creator, who is known for his relatable comedy sketches, said he felt the need to experiment. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ashish was asked if his parents and well-wishers had advised him against taking such a huge risk. He admitted that he had been hearing that for a long time. “And I was like, ‘Now that I have turned 30, if I don’t take a risk now, then when will I take a risk? Till when will I keep making content about Holi, Diwali and tuition classes?’” he said. While the show has gained significant traction online, Ashish admitted that it has not been financially rewarding so far. “If we see monetarily, I am in a huge loss, but emotionally and mentally, I am in a lot of profit today. Paise kama lenge aage chalke 100% (we’ll earn money in the future 100%),” he said. Why Ekaki did not go on OTT? Chanchlani also revealed that several OTT platforms initially struggled to understand the show’s format. “Many OTTs didn’t quite get what I was trying to do. It’s essentially sketch comedy with a YouTube feel, but woven into a larger narrative. Since it was a new format, they found it difficult to grasp,” he explained. Ashish added that he even received a lucrative offer just 10 days before the show’s release but chose to turn it down. “A major platform offered me a good amount of money, and I could have easily cashed out. But I knew I wouldn’t have been happy,” he said, noting that releasing Ekaki on YouTube helped it reach a much larger audience. “The viewership Ekaki has generated on YouTube is crazy, almost 10 times more than it would have been on any other platform. Each chapter became an event, and people kept talking about it for months,” he said, calling the series a gift to his loyal audience. More about Ekaki With Ekaki, Ashish Chanchlani steps fully into the driver’s seat, taking on the roles of writer, director, producer and lead actor. The series reflects his passion and determination to bring a story to life exactly the way he imagined it. He is supported by a trusted team throughout the journey. Kunal Chhabhria joins as co-producer, Akash Dodeja appears as the parallel lead, Jashan Sirwani oversees operations as executive producer, and Tanish Sirwani guides the show’s creative vision.
13 March,2026 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentComedian and actor Sunil Grover once again left audiences in splits with his performance on the Netflix comedy series The Great Indian Kapil Show. In a recent promo for the Season 4 finale, Grover transformed himself into legendary actor and writer Kader Khan, impressing not only the audience but also filmmaker David Dhawan, who appeared on the show as a guest along with his son, actor Varun Dhawan. Sunil Grover dons Kader Khan's look The promo clip shows Grover fully immersed in his character, adopting Kader Khan’s distinctive mannerisms, expressions and dialogue style. His portrayal quickly turned into one of the most talked about moments from the episode, with the audience and guests laughing throughout the segment. The performance served as a nostalgic tribute to the late actor, who was known for his memorable roles and sharp comic timing in numerous Hindi films. As Grover performed the act, David Dhawan appeared visibly impressed by how accurately the comedian recreated Kader Khan’s personality. The filmmaker, who collaborated with the veteran actor on several popular films over the years, enjoyed the tribute and laughed along with the rest of the audience. His reaction highlighted how convincingly Grover captured the essence of the legendary performer. Varun Dhawan and David Dhawan were impressed The episode itself is expected to be a lively finale to the season. Varun and David Dhawan joined host Kapil Sharma and the rest of the team for a fun filled evening packed with jokes, playful banter and nostalgic moments. The show has built a reputation for combining celebrity interactions with comic sketches, and the finale promises to deliver the same blend of humour and entertainment. Sunil Grover has long been regarded as one of the most versatile performers in Indian comedy. Known for creating memorable characters and spot on impersonations, he often brings a unique energy to the stage. His ability to embody well known personalities while adding his own comic twist has made him a favourite among fans of the show. The tribute to Kader Khan also struck a nostalgic chord with viewers who remember the actor’s contribution to Hindi cinema. Apart from being a talented performer, Khan was also a celebrated dialogue writer who worked on numerous hit films, including several collaborations with David Dhawan during the 1990s. With Grover’s performance becoming a highlight of the episode, the upcoming finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show is expected to deliver plenty of laughter. The promo has already generated excitement among fans, many of whom praised Grover’s ability to recreate the legendary actor’s style so convincingly.
12 March,2026 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Gulshan Devaiah is overwhelmed with gratitude as his 2023 film 8A.M. Metro is winning love following its digital release on Amazon Prime Video. Despite a modest theatrical run at the time of its cinema release, the film has discovered a renewed wave of love only now on OTT. Starring Gulshan Devaiah alongside Saiyami Kher and written and directed by debutant filmmaker Raj Rachakonda, 8A.M. Metro is a warm, intimate movie. Over the past few weeks, the actor has been inundated with messages from fans who say the film resonated with them long after the credits rolled. Reacting to the outpouring of affection, he said, “The love that 8A.M. Metro is receiving now feels like a never-ending gift. When the film first released in cinemas in 2023, it had a very limited run - no massive promotions, no big marketing campaign, and not a wide release. It didn’t make noise at the box office, but somewhere deep down, we knew we had made something honest. Today, seeing audiences discover it on OTT and connect with it so personally is incredibly moving for me.” Reflecting on the film’s delayed discovery, the actor also spoke about the larger structural challenge such films face. “The reality is that there isn’t really a proper ecosystem for smaller, personal films like 8A.M. Metro.” Calling it the most emotionally vulnerable role of his career, Gulshan said, “8A.M. Metro is probably the most emotional performance I’ve given. It’s not your typical love story - in fact, it’s a love story that was perhaps never meant to find its ‘perfect’ fate. And that’s what makes it so real. Not every connection is meant to culminate in fireworks. Some are meant to exist quietly, beautifully, and then pass. Of course, one wishes that more people had discovered the film when it first released. But perhaps this is just the life cycle of certain stories. Some films take time to find their people. In a world filled with chaos, aggression, and constant noise, we need films like this. We need stories that allow us to sit with longing, vulnerability, and incompleteness. 8A.M. Metro reminds us that it’s okay to feel deeply. That there is beauty in melancholy. And I think that purity is what’s finally connecting with people.” May 19, 2023When the film released in theatres May 10, 2024When it first streamed on Zee5 Feb 15, 2026When it landed on Prime Video and found a wider audience
12 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuJustice may be blind, but it definitely has a sense of humour at Patparganj District Court. After the first season of Maamla Legal Hai proved that courtrooms can be just as hilarious as they are dramatic, Season 2 expands this world with even more ajab (peculiar) cases, but with the gajab (amazing) team that everyone loved. The newly unveiled trailer offers audiences a sneak peek into the maamle (matters) to come, promising bigger battles, sharper wit, and even more delightful unpredictability. All about the new season V.D. Tyagi may have finally secured the judge ki kursi (judge’s chair), but how heavy is the head that now has to preside over this madness? And he’s not the only one in for a spin. The lawyers of Patparganj are back, tackling everything from electrifying gates and sting operations that sting a little too hard, to secret love affairs that threaten to shake up the courtroom in more ways than one, all while juggling interpersonal dynamics that can spark a fire of their own. Produced by Posham Pa Pictures, the series is helmed by showrunner Sameer Saxena, with Rahul Pandey returning to direct the new season. The world and characters are created by Saurabh Khanna and Kunal Aneja, with the new season written by Syed Shadan, Mohak Aneja, and Tatsat Pandey, led by Kunal. Ravi Kishan shares excitement on returning with season 2 Actor Ravi Kishan, who steps back into the role of V.D. Tyagi adds, “Coming back as VD Tyagi in Maamla Legal Hai Season 2 feels like coming home to a very crazy, very lovable courtroom. The response to the first season was overwhelming, and as actors, we dream of roles that stay with people, and Tyagi has become that for me. With Season 2 of Maamla Legal Hai, the humour is richer and the relationships are deeper. The audiences will find more honesty, warmth and emotion in the chaos and comedy of this world. This is one of the best collaborations between Posham Pa Pictures and Netflix, and I hope that viewers will see a bit of their own everyday battles and quiet victories reflected in this new chapter.” Maamla Legal Hai Season 2 also welcomes Kusha Kapila and Dinesh Lal Yadav, who bring a fresh dynamic to the courtroom alongside returning favourites Ravi Kishan, Nidhi Bisht, Naila Grrewal, Anant Joshi, and Anjum Batra. Packed with satire, heart, and a steady stream of delightful courtroom chaos, Maamla Legal Hai promises another season of entertainment where the arguments are dramatic, the verdicts are unpredictable, and the laughs never stop.
11 March,2026 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam ZEE5 is set to introduce its next original series, Kasaragod Embassy, a high‑intensity crime thriller that unfolds in a sharply crafted world of ambition, tension and unexpected danger. Spanning seven gripping episodes, the series brings together a mix of suspense, character‑driven drama and a deeply immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The trailer of the upcoming series was launched by superstar Mammootty's production house Mammooty Kampany. About Kasargod Embassy Directed by Atish M. Nair and produced by Legendary Movies, the series features a compelling ensemble cast including Abu Salim, Govind Pai, Rony David, Sudheesh, Kabir Duhan Singh, Deepak Parambol, Arjun, and more. At its heart, Kasaragod Embassy tells the story of two cousins whose desire for a better life pulls them into a dangerous world of forged identities, high‑risk deals and shifting loyalties. What begins as a small step to escape their circumstances spirals into a chain of events that challenges their bond, tests their conscience and threatens their survival. With every choice they make, the consequences grow sharper, drawing them deeper into a network far beyond their control. Speaking about the series, Director Atish M. Nair shares, “Our goal with Kasaragod Embassy was to build a world that feels tense, atmospheric and constantly unpredictable. The characters are flawed, ambitious and deeply human, which makes their journey all the more gripping.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by ZEE5 Malayalam (@zee5malayalam) Kabir Duhan Singh on the upcoming series Actor Kabir Duhan Singh said, “What stood out for me in Kasaragod Embassy was the narrative’s realism and the way every character is written with restraint. My role, Dammanna, is powerful not because he is loud, but because he knows how to impose fear quietly. It’s a character built on silence, calculation and impact, and I’m glad viewers will get to experience this world on ZEE5.” Actor Deepak Parambol adds up, “Vivek represents the outside world trying to make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. Every scene with him carries a little tension, because the audience knows more than he does. That contrast between curiosity and danger is what makes the character engaging to play.” Tune into ‘Kasaragod Embassy’ from March 20th only on Malayalam Zee5.
11 March,2026 01:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSinger-actor Miley Cyrus has made her much-awaited return as the beloved Disney character Hannah Montana for the first time in 15 years, leaving fans highly pleased and excited. On Tuesday, Disney unveiled the trailer for the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, featuring Miley Cyrus. The special is set to debut on March 24 - 20 years after the original show premiered on Disney Channel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney+ (@disneyplus) As teased in the trailer video, fans will be treated to never-before-seen footage of the cast, recreation of the show's set, iconic old moments, and even "familiar notes that find their way back into the spotlight", Disney said in a statement, as per Variety. "This show defined a generation. This anniversary is for them, it's for us. This feels like home to me," an overwhelmed Miley Cyrus said in the video. The special will be filmed in front of a live studio audience, bringing to fans a delightful conversation between Miley Cyrus and host Alex Cooper. According to the Disney+ website, Cyrus will join the special, to be filmed in front of a live studio audience, for an exclusive, in-depth interview with podcast host Alex Cooper. The conversation will "offer an intimate look at the creation of one of pop culture's most iconic characters and the lasting impact the show and character have had on fans around the world." Hannah Montana originally premiered in 2006 and ran for four seasons until 2011. The show received much love from the audience, becoming a fan favourite among the kids and teenagers. It even won four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children's Program. Hannah Montana followed the tale of Miley Stewart - a teenager from Malibu, California, who doubles as the famous pop singer Hannah Montana. The show even spawned a film titled Hannah Montana: The Movie, which came out in theatres in April 2009. Besides Miley Cyrus, the show also featured Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Earles and Moises Arias. Meanwhile, Hannah Montana's 20th Anniversary Special will premiere on March 24, 2026. It will stream on Disney+. (ANI) A number of high-profile guest stars also made appearances during the show's total run, including Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, Dwayne Johnson, Larry David, and Lisa Rinna, among 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
11 March,2026 09:40 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIRoop Durgapal is going to make her debut in the web space with Prakash Jha’s Sankalp, starring Nana Patekar, Sanjay Kapoor, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kranti Prakash Jha and Meghna Malik. The actress said that working alongside such talented names was like educating herself about various aspect about acting. Sharing more on the series and her role, Roop said: ”The stellar cast is one of the vital reasons that I was excited to join the show. When everyone has had a fabulous body of work, you know there will be a lot of learning on sets & off it as well.” She added: “Just being around Nana Patekar Sir, Prakash sir was like educating myself about various aspects of acting, making and even life as a whole. There was so much to learn from Meghna Malik ma’am as well, we bonded during lunches & dinners too. Such a fabulous actor great human being.” Roop plays the character Madhuri, wife of actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s character. Sharing more on him, Roop said: ”Zeeshan is a fabulous co actor, coming from NSD and having done so much work in films & web space, there was so much to learn from him. His measured approach towards scenes, command over language & fab energy were so helpful during our scenes together. I was looking forward to the set everyday.” Roop was doing theatre and was preparing for a play when she got to know about the audition for Sankalp. Roop’s debut on OTT happened quite late in her career. ”I think till 2019, I hadn’t given it a thought to go beyond TV, its when Covid struck and our lives changed, saw people passing away, that I had a realisation that life is short, unpredictable. I felt like experimenting & doing things that scared me. Theatre being one of them.” She added: “The idea of having no cuts, no retakes, month-long rehearsals was alien to me and scary too. But the realisation of life’s uncertainty gave me the strength to take a plunge. I did theatre, it was an amazingly satisfying journey to be on stage & not fumble. It gave me the courage to explore beyond TV & venture into webspace.” “I think everything happens in its own time and everyone’s journey is different. Mine was meant to happen this way, I am very happy with the way it happened organically. Numbers of years don’t matter.” 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
10 March,2026 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Adarsh Gourav, who was recently seen in Tu Yaa Main, has spoken about his love for travelling and exploring off the beaten path. The actor has begun filming a tentatively titled docu-series, The Tribal Voice. The series takes Adarsh across Northeast India, where he engages with the region’s living cultural traditions and indigenous voices. The first leg of the shoot commenced in Majuli Island in the state of Assam, Northeast India. Talking about the series, Adarsh Gourav expressed, “The main reason I said yes to this project was the opportunity to explore the cultures of the Northeast in a way that felt intimate and immersive. Through this unique series, I’ve been able to engage closely with local communities, tasting their cuisines, listening to their stories, and learning about the histories of their tribes through firsthand intimate conversations. And to me this experience in itself is invaluable. Collaborating with Edstead was another important factor, they are known for championing stories that truly matter, and knowing the project was backed by them gave me a great sense of assurance”. “There’s a genuine hunger in me to understand people from my own country about whom I admittedly know so little. While I love travelling and exploring off the beaten path, I don’t think I would have had access to some of these communities without this series. To eventually showcase these experiences on a platform with such a wide reach also makes it a powerful educational tool”, he added. Through music, oral histories, and everyday practices, the series explores themes of heritage, resilience, and identity, celebrating a creative spirit that is as ancient as it is alive. Produced and crafted as a cinematic factual narrative by Charu Budhiraja from Edstead, The Tribal Voice is presented by Air India Express, with Dentsu Sports and Entertainment on board as the integration partner. The series is currently in production. 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
10 March,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe last time we caught up with Rajeev Khandelwal was when he was recovering from a ligament tear while promoting his antagonist act in Bloody Daddy (2023). Three years later, the actor has played a superstar in Showtime (2024), and an Indiana Jones–inspired role in The Secret of the Shiledars (2025). However, it is his titular role in Amazon MX Player’s Amar Vishwas that he says is the closest to his real self. “There’s a lot of me in Amar Vishwas,” starts off Khandelwal. “He is instinctive and has a huge conscience. I keep thinking about right and wrong in my own actions when I’m dealing with my team, my people.” The actor believes that the flaws in his character make Amar Vishwas more real, which is what initially drew him to the role. As a lawyer, one expects the character to be detached, but “Amar gets too personal. He crosses boundaries because it connects with his belief system. That flaw is also there in me. So, I didn’t have to make it relatable,” shares the actor. With courtroom dramas like Criminal Minds — out with its fourth season — and Guilty Minds (2022), one wonders how Amar Vishwas stands out. Unperturbed by competition, he says, “People come back to courtroom dramas for the characters. Here, you invest in Amar Vishwas — his past, present, and struggles. It’s similar to the world of The Lincoln Lawyer.” What’s the story? ‘Amar Vishwas’ follows a brilliant yet eccentric lawyer, played by Rajeev Khandelwal, who takes an interest in the case of Bahar Chakravarty, a young woman who has been convicted of the murder of an influential film producer
10 March,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamJoining the list of newcomers making their acting debut in 2026 is Vir Hirani, son of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. If things go as planned, the new kid on the block may appear on screen as early as this summer. mid-day has learnt that Vir’s maiden series, ‘Pritam Pedro’, which also marks the filmmaker’s first web offering, is being lined up for a May release on JioHotstar. A source revealed, “The cyber crime thriller was originally mentioned in the streamer’s 2025-26 slate. But as work on the series went on for long, it is finally arriving this May.” ‘Pritam Pedro’ sees Arshad Warsi portray an old-school cop, compelled to team up with Vir’s young officer, who is a computer geek and uses technology to solve cases. Rajkumar, who serves as the co-producer and showrunner, had originally cast Vikrant Massey in the role of the young cop. The actor, however, had to exit the project. “Vir wasn’t supposed to be launched with ‘Pritam Pedro’. But during casting changes, Hirani felt Vir could fit in as a young tech geek,” said another insider. Arshad Warsi plays a cop in the show; (right) Vikrant Masseys Did you know? Vikrant Massey was initially supposed to lead ‘Pritam Pedro’ alongside Arshad Warsi. However, the actor had to exit the project
10 March,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaADVERTISEMENT
