Microdramas get STAR POWER! Kusha Kapila, Sheeba Chadha, Nikki Tamboli, Vishal Aditya Singh join the vertical wave

India’s microdrama boom seems to be entering an interesting new phase. A format that was, until recently, largely populated by emerging actors, influencers and digital-first creators is now beginning to attract increasingly familiar faces from films, television and the creator ecosystem.

The latest names to jump onto the vertical bandwagon are Kusha Kapila and Sheeba Chadha, who have teamed up for Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe. The 14-episode microdrama marks Kusha’s debut in the format and will premiere on her Instagram page on September 30.

Created and written by Namrata Wadhwani and directed by Raashi Priya Nahata, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe revolves around an accidental pen-pal relationship between two women dealing with heartbreak, grief and major changes in their lives. Kusha plays Anisha, a Mumbai-based woman trying to move on from a broken relationship, while acclaimed actress Sheeba Chadha essays Charu, a widow living in Lucknow who is navigating grief and a new phase of life.

Interestingly, Kusha’s entry into microdramas also highlights another potential evolution of the format. Unlike conventional shows that need a television channel or OTT platform, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe will drop on Kusha’s own Instagram page. In other words, a creator with a sizeable audience can now effectively turn her social-media handle into a distribution platform for an original fiction series.

Another prominent television and reality-show face, Nikki Tamboli, has also entered the vertical fiction space with Ex vs Wife, in which she stars opposite Vishal Aditya Singh. Nikki has taken up the challenge of playing two contrasting shades in the series – one positive and the other negative.

Taken individually, these might simply appear to be two new microdrama announcements. But taken together, they point towards a larger shift taking place within India's rapidly growing short-form fiction ecosystem.

Actors traditionally had broadly defined options – television serials, films, OTT shows, music videos and advertisements. Vertical fiction is now emerging as another avenue, sitting somewhere between social-media content and conventional scripted entertainment. For established performers, it potentially offers an interesting middle ground. Unlike reels, microdramas give actors an opportunity to play actual characters with conflicts, emotions and narrative arcs. At the same time, they potentially require a significantly different production and viewing ecosystem compared to a daily television serial or a long-form streaming show. That could make the format attractive not merely to aspiring talent looking for visibility, but also to established actors looking to experiment without necessarily committing to a conventional long-form project.

Also Read: From 90-second fad to MEGA BUSINESS: Microdramas get a dedicated spotlight at FICCI FRAMES alongside cinema, OTT, AI and reality TV

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Vashu Bhagnani hospitalised in London amid Income Tax searches at 12 locations linked to him, Rakul Preet Singh, and Panorama Studios: Report

Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani has reportedly been hospitalised in London, according to news agency ANI. The reason for his hospitalisation has not been disclosed so far.

When contacted by ANI, Bhagnani asked to be left “alone”. No further details about his health condition or the duration of his hospital stay are currently available.

The development comes shortly after reports of Income Tax Department searches at multiple locations linked to Bhagnani, his daughter-in-law and actor Rakul Preet Singh, and Panorama Studios. Income Tax Department searches 12 locations The Income Tax Department reportedly carried out searches at 12 locations in Mumbai on September 28. The premises were linked to Vashu Bhagnani, Rakul Preet Singh and Kumar Mangat-led Panorama Studios.

According to reports, the searches were part of an inquiry into suspected financial irregularities involving film-related transactions. Investigators are reportedly examining allegations that funds may have been routed overseas under the guise of financing film projects.

Multiple teams were said to be examining documents, financial records and details of alleged overseas transactions. However, the Income Tax Department has not publicly disclosed its findings or confirmed that any tax violation has been established.

The searches also reportedly covered premises associated with Panorama Studios, which is led by producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. The nature and extent of the transactions under scrutiny have not been disclosed publicly. Vashu Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh yet to respond Reports of the Income Tax searches emerged on September 28, with multiple publications reporting that the department was examining financial records connected to the film industry.

Neither Vashu Bhagnani nor Rakul Preet Singh has publicly responded to the reports about the searches so far. The investigation is understood to be ongoing, and further details are awaited.

Importantly, the Income Tax searches and Bhagnani’s hospitalisation have been reported as developments occurring around the same time. There is currently no official information establishing a connection between the two.

For now, further information regarding Bhagnani’s health is awaited.

Also Read: Will the Vashu Bhagnani controversy benefit Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai? Trade experts comment; also open up on 50% offer on release day: “You are UNDERMINING a star’s potential”

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CONFIRMED! Lock Upp returns for season 2, Netflix announces new chapter

The jail doors are set to open once again, allowing new inmates to assemble. Following a landmark season that became a cultural phenomenon and a constant source of conversation both on and off screen, Netflix announces the return of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa for a second season. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor and Manisha Sharma, and showrun by Malaya Pradhan, the new season promises to blur the lines between spectacle and vulnerability.

Centered on its distinctly Indian format, Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa resonated with audiences worldwide, with its most shareable moments driving 5 billion+ views across social and word of mouth. The series demonstrated how a homegrown reality format can become a shared cultural experience: one that audiences don't simply watch, but participate in and carry with them.

Inside the jail in Season 1, contestants were pushed to own their truth, confronting the perceptions and narratives that had long surrounded them. Confessions became talking points, confrontations became debates, unexpected relationships became turning points, and raw moments became what audiences remembered most. What viewers witnessed was more than captivity and competition; it was celebrities taking ownership of their personal stories.

The upcoming season builds on that world, bringing audiences back inside the jail for another chapter where personalities collide, dynamics shift, and every secret has the potential to change the game.

Monika Shergill, VP- Content, Netflix India said: "Lock Upp: Sach Yaa Sazaa became appointment viewing overnight. Viewers invested, debated, and kept coming back. It captured the zeitgeist - not just as entertainment, but also as a space where celebrities talked about topics they rarely do, owned their choices and confronted past trauma. Ekta’s bold homegrown idea and the scaled adaptation on Netflix led to entertainment maxxing. Season 2 will be about recreating the same Netflix effect with many new surprises for our audiences."

Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms & Creator of Lock Upp said: “Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa on Netflix went far beyond what we imagined. The conversations, the inmates, and their most memorable moments continued to live with audiences even after the finale. That’s what makes the return of Lock Upp so exciting. The next season will take audiences back into a world they know, but with an entirely new set of stories, personalities, and surprises. And Farah and Riteish will continue to helm Lock Upp as the formidable jailer duo, bringing their own energy, unpredictability, and dynamic to the next chapter.”

As audiences wait to discover who will enter the jail this time, one thing is certain: the game, the inmates, and the tasks may change, but the conversations are about to begin all over again!

Also Read: Did Harshad Chopda accidentally reveal Lock Upp Season 2 winner? His comment on Shreya Kalra has fans convinced

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EXCLUSIVE: Karan Tacker to return as Gaurav Tiwari? Bhay Season 2 likely to go on floors in January 2027

Karan Tacker could be set to return to the world of the paranormal as Gaurav Tiwari. Bollywood Hungama has learnt that Almighty Motion Picture is gearing up for the second season of its supernatural thriller Bhay – A Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, with the new season expected to go on floors by mid-January 2027.

According to sources close to the development, the makers are currently working towards taking the franchise forward, with the second season expected to mount on a larger canvas. If the schedule stays on track, Bhay – A Gaurav Tiwari Mystery Season 2 could be ready for a late-2027 release. The first season, which premiered in 2025, was produced by Prabhleen Sandhu under Almighty Motion Picture and directed by Robbie Grewal. Written by Arshad Sayed, the series featured Karan Tacker as paranormal investigator Gaurav Tiwari, with the character's investigations and mysterious encounters forming the core of the narrative.

Unlike conventional horror outings that rely primarily on jump scares and supernatural spectacle, Bhay attempted to build its world around paranormal investigations, unexplained incidents and the psychological fear surrounding the unknown. At the centre of that world was Tiwari, a protagonist who actively pursued cases that others would rather stay away from.

Sources indicate that Season 2 is being planned to delve deeper into that universe, with the makers exploring new unexplained cases and paranormal investigations. Whether the new season will pick up directly from where the first chapter ended or introduce an entirely new case remains tightly under wraps.

The casting, too, is being kept under wraps for now. However, sources indicate that the makers intend to retain Karan Tacker as Gaurav Tiwari, allowing the actor to continue anchoring the franchise. An official announcement is awaited.

Interestingly, Bhay would also add to an increasingly notable pattern in Karan Tacker's OTT career. Several of the actor's streaming outings have returned for subsequent seasons, underlining the recall he has built with audiences on the digital platform. From stepping into varied characters to headlining returning franchises, Tacker has gradually established himself as an actor with a strong presence in the OTT space, where longevity often depends on a show's ability to bring audiences back for another season.

That trajectory makes a potential return to Bhay particularly significant, as the franchise itself appears to be moving into its next phase with Tacker once again at the headlining.

For now, the makers are keeping the door firmly shut on Season 2. But if the current plans stay on course, the world of Gaurav Tiwari could be back on screen sooner than expected with cameras potentially rolling from January 2027.

Also Read: Karan Tacker opens up on a ‘Bhay’ moment that forced him to confront mortality: “This scene changed me forever”

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Shakira’s Madrid concert to stream globally on Amazon Music on October 3; celebration to spotlight women In Latin music

Amazon Music and Shakira have announced a global celebration of women shaping Latin music and culture, with the centrepiece being the first full-concert global livestream of Shakira’s Madrid performance. The concert, part of the final stop of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour and her ES Latina European Residency, will stream worldwide on October 3.

For viewers in India, the livestream will begin at 12:15 AM IST on October 4. Fans can watch the performance on the Amazon Music India app, Prime Video, the Amazon Music app on Fire TV and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The livestream will be available without a subscription.

The Madrid concert is part of The Women Shaping Latin Music, Amazon Music’s 2026 celebration under its Music Connects Us programme. The initiative brings together tributes to women who have influenced Latin music and culture, while also highlighting women artists, entrepreneurs and those building careers in technology. Shakira brings Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran to Madrid Shakira’s Madrid performance comes as she reaches the final chapter of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. The tour has drawn inspiration from a deeply personal period in the singer’s life and has evolved into a wider message of resilience and reinvention.

Reflecting on the tour and the upcoming livestream, Shakira said, “The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has become more than I could ever have imagined, and I am so proud of it. I’m so excited to take it even further by sharing this special evening with fans around the world, together with Amazon Music.”

 

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According to Amazon Music’s internal worldwide consumption data for January 1 to September 19, 2026, “Dai Dai” is the platform’s most-streamed song globally so far this year, while Shakira is the most-listened-to Latina artist worldwide during the same period. New Shakira experiences and releases The global celebration extends beyond the Madrid livestream. Amazon Music is releasing a new remix of Shakira’s “Dai Dai Spanish Remix (Amazon Music Original),” produced by RVSSIAN.

Fans will also be able to purchase an Amazon Exclusive orange and yellow marble vinyl edition of Shakira’s Laundry Service, marking the album’s 25th anniversary. The celebration will also include merchandise, Amazon storefronts and immersive fan experiences.

Shakira has personally curated El Mixtape, featuring music by women artists who have influenced her. Fans can also revisit her career through [Re]Discover Shakira, while On Tour highlights music from the latest chapter of her global tour.

In Madrid, the ES Latina residency will feature El Museo Shakira by Amazon Music, an interactive experience guided by Alexa+, allowing fans to explore milestones from Shakira’s career across music, fashion, culture and social impact.

The residency will also feature an all-women Amazon Music stage celebrating women shaping Latin music today. Amazon Music launches initiatives for women The celebration also includes initiatives aimed at creating opportunities beyond music.

The Las Mujeres Facturan Con Amazon Music storefront will highlight products from women-owned businesses, with a particular focus on Latina-owned brands. The destination will also feature merchandise and physical music from female Latin artists, along with stories about the women behind the businesses.

Meanwhile, Las Mujeres Ayudan Con Amazon Music will bring together Amazon Music, Amazon Web Services, Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos and Laboratoria for AWS Entrena Latinas. The programme aims to provide free cloud computing and artificial intelligence training in Spanish to women across Latin America.

The initiative aims to reach one million women by 2028. It will initially launch in Colombia, where students and mothers connected to Fundación Pies Descalzos will have access to foundational courses and opportunities to pursue AWS AI certifications.

Rocío Guerrero, Director of Music, Latin-Iberia, Amazon Music, said, “Shakira has spent more than three decades showing the world what is possible when a Latin woman refuses to accept boundaries around her music, her ambition or her influence.”

She added, “This celebration honors everything she has built while looking forward, using the reach and breadth of Amazon to connect music, culture and opportunity in a way that goes far beyond a single moment.”

Through the combination of the Madrid concert, new music, fan experiences and education and commerce initiatives, Amazon Music’s 2026 celebration aims to spotlight the role of women across Latin music and culture while creating opportunities beyond the entertainment space.

Also Read: Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final half-time show

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Anupam Kher honoured in Toronto with Certificate of Recognition: “What a wonderful feeling”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has received a Certificate of Recognition in Toronto for his contribution to cinema, storytelling, education and mentorship. The actor shared the news on social media on September 29, expressing his gratitude for the honour and reflecting on how his work has reached audiences beyond India.

Kher shared a picture from the ceremony and revealed that he received the certificate from Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North, Caledon. Sharing his reaction, the actor wrote, “CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION!❤️🇨🇦What a wonderful feeling to receive this Certificate of Recognition in Toronto from the Hon. Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North—Caledon. I am touched by her words about my work in cinema, storytelling, education and mentorship.🙏😳😍”

He further spoke about what the recognition means to him as an actor who has spent decades working across films, television and theatre. Kher wrote, “An actor begins by hoping to connect with the person sitting in front of the stage or screen. To learn that the work has travelled across borders and touched people here in Canada means a great deal to me.”

The actor also thanked Sahota and the residents of Brampton North, Caledon, while acknowledging the people who have been part of his journey. He added, “Thank you, Ruby Sahota ji, and the residents of Brampton North, Caledon, for this generous honour. I accept it with gratitude and share it with everyone who has been part of my journey. Lots of love. Jai Ho!”

 

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Anupam Kher’s North American theatre tour The Toronto honour comes at a significant point in Kher’s ongoing North American theatre tour. The actor is currently travelling across the US and Canada with the Hindi musical play Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane, in which he stars opposite Swaroop Sampat.

The play recently marked its 25th show in Toronto on September 27. Kher described the milestone as an important moment for the production and said that Toronto had continued to give him “amazing love.” The play, written and directed by Gajendra Iyer, has been touring several North American cities.

On the film front, Kher has several projects lined up. He will next be seen in Sooraj Barjatya’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari. The film is scheduled to release theatrically on November 27, 2026.

He is also part of Fauzi, starring Prabhas and directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. The film is currently listed for release on December 3, 2026.

Kher is set to reprise his popular character Kamal Khosla in Khosla Ka Ghosla 2. The sequel had been announced for release in August 2026, but its release was subsequently postponed and a new date has not been locked yet.

The actor has also announced his 555th film, although details about the project and its title have not yet been revealed.

Also Read: Anupam Kher advises Govinda amid rumoured affair: “Don’t allow your personal life or habits to overshadow your entire life”

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SCOOP: Ramayana makers plan PATHBREAKING pre-Diwali release; Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi starrer expected to release worldwide on November 5

Less than one-and-a-half months are left for the release of Ramayana and the excitement is gradually building. On August 5, Bollywood Hungama was the first to report that the grand epic would release in cinemas on November 6. Two days later, producer Namit Malhotra revealed in an interview that while Ramayana would release overseas on November 6, it would arrive in cinemas in India on November 8. Bollywood Hungama has now learnt that there has been yet another change in plans.

A source told us, “The makers of Ramayana have now decided to release their labour of love on Thursday, November 5. Also, this time, the plan is to release it across the world, that is, in India as well as overseas, on the same day. The stakeholders are more or less on board with this new release date. If it gets final approval, the makers will make an official announcement.”

If Ramayana indeed releases on November 5, it would be a pathbreaking move on the part of the makers. An industry insider commented, “Since 2014, most major Diwali releases have arrived a day after the Festival of Lights. This is because it is believed that audiences may not turn up in huge numbers on Diwali day as they are occupied with puja and festivities. But the makers of Ramayana are planning to bring the film to cinemas three days before Diwali, highlighting their confidence in the product. The hype is immense and it should ensure a huge turnout in theatres. Then, on November 9, which is the big holiday after Diwali, the collections could reach historic levels. Hence, the extended first-week collections of Ramayana will be something to watch out for.”

While Dharma Productions will distribute Ramayana in India, Sony Pictures has picked up the overseas distribution rights.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) fame and produced by Namit Malhotra. The music is composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer. It is a two-part saga, with the first part scheduled for Diwali 2026. The second part is slated to arrive on the big screen on Diwali 2027.

Also Read: MrBeast says he had a “great time” with Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ramayana team!

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