We spoke to actor Viineet Kumar Singh about this.

Question: We’ve seen many films paying tribute to teachers—Dead Poets Society, Black, The Karate Kid, To Serve With Love—and now Netflix’s Hello Bachcho is also a tribute. How did you prepare yourself for this role, knowing it was a tribute to teachers?

Answer: First of all, I’m very happy to have this opportunity. This show is a tribute to teachers. Every person in life has been touched by a teacher, and my father is a mathematician, so personally, it’s also a tribute to him.

The show highlights many aspects of today’s education system: rising costs, career confusion among children, social pressures, and the difficulties faced by girls and underprivileged students. Preparing for this role meant understanding all of these realities and the sensitivity a teacher needs to have to impact students’ lives positively.

I wanted to understand Alakh Pandey sir’s rhythm, his energy, and how he interacts with students, family, and friends. Beyond classroom videos, I spent time observing his day-to-day life—how he eats, sits, moves, and engages. That helped me capture the authenticity of the character.

I was fortunate because my academic background and my family’s involvement in education gave me a foundation. My father always emphasized honesty, dedication, and understanding cause and effect—like Newton’s law. That philosophy naturally aligned with the teacher’s role in the series.

Question: The series portrays students from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds. How did this influence your understanding of the Indian education system today?

Answer: I’ve lived in this world. I know the struggles. I studied in government schools with excellent teachers, but today many parents prefer private schools, often because education has become so expensive. Education is turning into a luxury rather than a right.

Basic education should be accessible to all children. Government institutions are crucial—they allow students from poor families to study without financial barriers. If we fail to ensure this, we are creating walls for those who want to learn but cannot afford it. Education, healthcare, and security are fundamental rights, just like voting. Everyone deserves access.

Question: In the show, Alakh Pandey sir connects with students empathetically. How did you balance authority, empathy, and vulnerability in your portrayal?

Answer: As an Answer, it’s important to capture all sides of a character. A teacher’s authority is balanced by empathy and vulnerability. For instance, when a child struggles because of family circumstances, the teacher often shields them from harsh realities, allowing them to perform without fear. That balance had to be authentic—showing care without compromising discipline.

Through this approach, students learn responsibility and realize the value of opportunities. It’s not just teaching academics; it’s shaping their perspective and confidence.

Question: Were there any particular storylines or scenes that touched you emotionally?

Answer: Many stories were moving. The story of Naman, Haria, and other students who face societal or familial obstacles was particularly touching. Scenes showing girls wanting to study or play but being restricted really highlighted gender-based challenges. Girls’ potential is often limited by societal norms, but when allowed to pursue their ambitions, they excel—whether in sports, arts, or leadership.

This is a recurring theme—parents and society sometimes inadvertently limit talent. The show reflects this beautifully and emphasizes that education and support can unlock tremendous potential.

Question: What feedback have you received from viewers?

Answer: The feedback has been incredible. Many people have said the series moved them to tears. They connected deeply with the stories and characters. I’m grateful to the entire team—producers Aruna, Sherry, Shreyansh Pandey, Vijay Koshi; writers Abhishek, Varun Ali, Ankit; and director Pratish. Acting is a team game, and this collaboration created something touching and impactful.

The post Viineet Kumar Singh on Approaching Roles with Respect and Passion appeared first on NRI News.

The grand opening was graced by Bollywood celebrity, Vijay Varma, alongside Mr Ashish Mukul, Brand Head, Tasva. More than just a retail space, the Pune store is an experience. Designed to resonate with the evolving tastes of India’s cosmopolitan man. With its blend of heritage-inspired aesthetics and contemporary sophistication, the store reflects Tasva’s vision of redefining modern Indian menswear.

The store showcases Tasva’s festive collection featuring stunning kurta sets and bundis, with vibrant screen prints and modern silhouettes adding a fresh twist to traditional attire. Meanwhile, the wedding collection offers luxurious sherwanis, achkans, indo-western, and bandhgalas, crafted from opulent fabrics and detailed with intricate embroidery work.

“We wanted our flagship store in Pune to embody the essence of Tasva – a seamless blend of style, tradition, and craftsmanship,” said Ashish Mukul, Brand Head, of Tasva. “Every detail, from the store design to the layout, has been meticulously curated to create a smooth and immersive shopping journey, offering our clients a unique Tasva experience.” With highly trained stylists offering personalized advice and assistance, the Pune store ensures an unmatched retail experience.”

Renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani, the creative force behind Tasva, shared his thoughts on the launch: “At Tasva, we have reimagined Indian menswear with a superior fit that rivals the precision of Western tailoring, seamlessly infused into traditional attire. Every garment is meticulously crafted to provide a sharp, refined silhouette while ensuring effortless movement and comfort. Indian wear has long been associated with grandeur, but we believe it should also offer impeccable ease—so men can celebrate their special moments with confidence and grace. Pune has always appreciated fine craftsmanship, and we are excited to bring Tasva’s signature sophistication to the city”

Expressing his excitement about the launch, Bollywood Actor Vijay Varma said, “I have spent two incredible years as a college student in Pune, and being here for this launch feels like a full-circle moment.” Sharing his personal experience with Tasva, he added, “I’ve worn Tasva multiple times, and what truly stands out to me is how effortlessly light and comfortable the garments are, without compromising on elegance. That’s exactly what’s needed for weddings and special occasions—something that looks regal yet feels easy to wear. Pune has always been a city that appreciates great craftsmanship, and I’m excited to present Tasva to the people here.”

With a growing presence in major cities across India, Tasva continues to set new benchmarks in premium ethnic menswear, offering garments that celebrate tradition, craftsmanship, and modern sophistication. Whether it’s a wedding or a special occasion—special days deserve a Tasva!

Store Address: – Tasva, Near Vasupujya Swami Maharaj Temple, 658 Sachapir Street, MG Road, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001

Timings: 11:00 am – 9:00 daily

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Speaking about the Mahotsav, Shubhangi Damle, Treasurer of Maharashtra Cultural Centre, said, “As is done each year, this year as well ‘Balrang Mahotsav’ is being planned to provide quality entertainment to children to expand their creative abilities and help their personality development.”

“With the beginning of the long summer vacations, parents and children are keen on exploring good-quality camps and workshops. Maharashtra Cultural Centre has been organizing ‘Balrang Mahotsav’ for the past 25 years and over the years we have received an overwhelming response because our Mahotsav offers camps that are not only fun but also help in the holistic development of children. The workshops, camps, and plays are for the age group of 10 years to 14 years.” she added further.

This year’s Mahotsav will include a music camp from the 15th to the 21st of May by Swanandi Sadolikar which will have simple music and rhythm-based games, poetry, and bandishes. A scientific toy-making camp will be held from May 15 to 18 by Shivaji Mane. Partha Mawal will conduct a special martial arts training self-defense camp from May 15 to 21. A camp on working with mud and soil by Anushree Dhavale will be held on May 15, 16, 17, and 23. Mukta and Niketan’s Bollywood dance camp will be held from May 15 to 21 and Kokil Sir’s math fun camp will be held from May 18 to 21. Timings of all camps will be 4 pm to 6 pm.

Post these camps every day between 6.30 pm to 6.45 pm there will be platform performances like a violin performance, puppet shows, music jamming, bubble shows, stories, songs, and so on followed by plays for children.

These plays will include Zee Award winner ‘Cherry Eke Cherry’ on May 15 presented by Srinidhi Zad and Tanmay Bhide, ‘Abhalmaya & Shalechi Gani’ presented by Satpute and Kale Sir on 16th May, ‘Pakka Limbu Timbu’ presented by Arundhati Agashe on 17th May, ‘Alay Amchya Lakshat’ presented by Aditya Yadav on 18th May. ‘Raja Nang Dhadanga Hai’ produced by Kumud Mishra and directed by Vikrant Thakar on 19th May, ‘Minglish Medium’ presented by Richa Apte on 20th May, ‘Superhero’ presented by Niketan Nandurbare on 21st May, ‘Ek Doka Char Paya’ presented by Soham Athawale on 22nd May and ‘Miss Competition’ presented by Soham Athawale on 23rd May. All plays will be showcased at Shriram Lagoo Rang Avakash at 7 pm.

It may be noted that for all 6 different workshops the intake is 25 children per workshop and there is no participation fee for the children.

However, the plays for the children that will start at 7:00 pm will be the ticketed ones.

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“How we are as a person apart from being an artist matters a lot and one must make a conscious effort to be a good human being. I never got an opportunity to meet Nilu Phule but I was thrilled to hear from his daughter that he was fond of one of my television serials“, said Raghavan.

He expressed concern over the condition of the public theatres in our country and said that the condition of theatres in Western countries is far superior as their approach is to conserve and not renovate. He also opined that folk and professional artists need to come together to perform traditional folk art in a bid to save it.

In the photo from left Sameer Belvalkar, Sachin Khedekar, Sumit Raghavan, and Gargi Phule Thatte.

The post Nilu Phule Award Presented To Actor Sumit Raghavan appeared first on NRI News.

Seerat Kapoor took to her social media to share this delightful news with her fans, marking the occasion with a special Diwali gift for all her loved ones. She posted a picture of herself from the dubbing studio, giving a sneak peek into her new venture. Alongside the photo, she shared the news with her loved ones and followers, captioning it with heartfelt words.

The revelation has sparked curiosity among her fans as they eagerly await the release of the film featuring Seerat Kapoor in a prominent role. The rom-com movie is going to be released in Telugu, where Seerat will be seen sharing screen space with her debut movie co-star Sharwanand after 8 long years.

Seerat Kapoor, who has already won hearts with her acting prowess, has now taken a step further by showcasing her talent as a dubbing artist. This new chapter in her career adds another feather to her cap, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the dynamic world of Indian cinema.

Apart from her upcoming Telugu movie, Seerat Kapoor has also made her big Bollywood debut alongside Tusshar Kapoor with Maarrich under Tusshar Entertainment Production. She will also be seen as a leading lady in Dil Raju’s Aakasam Dati Vasthava film and Mahi V Raghav’s Save The Tigers 2 web series. The actress made her debut as a singer along with the melodious Ishaan Khan in a music video for Jackky Bhagnani’s Jjust Music Label called AAO NA.

In conclusion, Seerat Kapoor’s multifaceted talents, not only as an actress but also as a dubbing artist, are eagerly awaited by her fans. Her new venture as a dubbing artist in Telugu cinema is a testament to her versatility and talent.

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Damle is entitled to receive the prestigious ‘Vishnudas Bhave award as the youngest theater artist to ever receive this honor. Regarding the same backdrop, he interacted with the members of the Press on various topics related to Marathi theater at CC& Company, Prabhat Road, Pune.

While speaking on the occasion, Damle said, “I’ve been doing theater for 40 years now, and working in Marathi theater gives me an immense amount of joy. I never get tired of it because I’ve converted my hobby into my work. I’ve done 12,793 shows to date. But I believe that there’s a long way to reach more enthusiasts, as only 2 to 2.5 crore out of the 12-13 crore population in Maharashtra are theater geeks for real.”

Responding to the questions of whether the number of topics and the quality of theater has increased post the Covid times, Damle said, “I think, everyone got a chance to introspect themselves during the pandemic. It helped to throw light upon what an artist or a director can do differently. Pre-Covid, 50 to 60 plays were presented yearly, out of which only 3 or 4 worked well. In today’s times if 8 to 9 plays of 60 to 70 turn out to be good, is a relatively good response. When it comes to Marathi theater, everyone is working sincerely. Good plays are getting good responses from the audiences too. Overall, I think Marathi theater is doing well.”

“Marathi theater has seen a lot of ups and downs at different levels but has firmly faced it all. In the initial post-Covid period we started with doing shows only on the weekends. Now, we do shows on Mondays and Wednesdays as well, which counts as an important thing for us. Many things are normalized at their true senses now,” opined Prashant Damle, an acclaimed film and theater personality.

He also asserted that, 20 to 25 years ago, connoisseurs came to the theaters because of the popularity of an institution. Now that the trend has changed, they come to the shows for the artists. This is why maintaining the audience size has now become the artist’s responsibility.

“Today, Marathi Films and Theaters are facing challenges to get staged. If four like-minded people come together and create one play, three plays can be reduced. We need to understand that this art needs to be created while maintaining its standards and not letting it compromise in its quality,” shared Prashant Damle.

“Even if there are 92 centers in Maharashtra, only 48 or 49 places have theaters, out of which only one theater is regarded with A grade. It is the Government’s responsibility to provide basic facilities while the audience’s responsibility to use the theaters in the appropriate way. At the same time, it is the duty of the artists to present good quality art there. Overall, it is all of us who must carry forward this tradition together,” said Damle.

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Maharashtra Cultural Centre takes the lead in developing this theatre on the Black Box concept

PUNE: The people of Maharashtra have immensely contributed to keeping the art and culture alive in the state and the country, noted actor and chairman of the National School of Drama, Padma Shri Paresh Raval. He was in the city as a Chief Guest to mark the commencement of the work of the new theatre being developed in the name of Dr. Shriram Lagoo by the Maharashtra Cultural Center at Hirabaug in Pune. Dr. Mohan Agashe, S. P. Kulkarni, Shubhangi Damle, and Rajesh Deshmukh from the Maharashtra Cultural Center were also present along with Deepa Lagoo. The name of this upcoming theatre is Shriram Lagoo Ranga – Avakash.

“I believe that if I had worked in Marathi films or theatre, my acting abilities would have been further enhanced than they are today. I would have had more opportunities to collaborate with Marathi writers, actors, and literary figures, which would have enriched my artistic journey,” said Paresh Raval, in a candid talk at the Maharashtra Cultural Centre on Monday.

Narrating some more anecdotes about his connection with the Marathi theatre, Raval said, “I remember, when the GST was being introduced, I along with Ajit Bhure and Ashok Hande (theatre personalities) went to meet the then finance minister Arun Jaitley to request him from excluding the drama industry from GST. We met him with Sharad Pawar. He (Jaitley) immediately agreed to keep theatres (drama) out of GST slabs. When I asked Pawar Saheb about such a quick response on the relaxation from Jaitley ji, Pawar Sahab said that the drama and theatre is about art and culture and it is possible to keep art and culture alive in Mumbai till there are Marathis (Maharashtrians) in Mumbai. Vadodara is known as the cultural capital of Gujarat and not surprisingly, the city also has a lot of Marathi people.”

On being the chief guest for this function, Raval said he feels honored and blessed to be associated with Dr. Shriram Lagoo’s name. “As an actor, it is a great honor to be invited to mark the commencement of work for this special theatre which is in Dr. Lagoo’s name.”

In 1972, when one-act plays were in vogue, Mukund Jani offered me a one-act space based on Vijay Tendulkar’s “Gidhade,” originally performed by Dr. Lagoo. I accepted the offer, but my performance was far from satisfactory. We committed that artistic sin. Many years later, Vijay Kenkre expressed interest in creating a film based on Lagoo Sahab’s “Mitra.” I watched “Mitra” and was mesmerized by Dr. Lagoo’s remarkable performance. Vijay wished to make a film with Rekhaji and me in lead roles, but unfortunately, it didn’t come to fruition. Today, I can proudly say that I have finally found an opportunity to be associated with Dr. Lagoo due to this occasion.”

He added that while the country is making progress on all fronts there is a need to have more such cultural spaces.

“I may not be a flawless actor, but I consider myself fortunate. Even before I was elected as a Member of Parliament, I had been striving to establish theatres in various places, including SNDT in Mumbai. I had discussions with Mukesh and Anil Ambani for this purpose, but for various reasons, these initiatives didn’t materialize. Eventually, a theatre in the name of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was established with the assistance of Anandiben Patel. However, deterioration often sets in once such cultural spaces come under government control. I am glad to know that this theatre will remain under the management of creative individuals who have a passion for art”, Raval said.

Architect Madhav Hundekar from Mitimitra, an architectural firm that has been appointed to design this theatre said that the ‘Black Box Theatre’ is said to be an experiment to not only cut off the customary limitations of a usual theatre but also to let the director present his art in his own ways without any hindrances. There has always been an underlying need for such a kind of theatre, that would not have conventional limitations. ‘Rang-Avakash’ is designed in response to this need and we’ve also designed it in a way that it will be flexible for different formats of seating and public performances.”

Dr Agashe said, “Every performance needs a space. When any performance comes in that space, it becomes a theater. And with this idea, ‘Rang Avakash’ is being created. Here, different types of art forms can be performed. Even if this idea is new, it will mold with time.”

Noted film actor Girish Kulkarni read some text from Lamaan, an autobiography of Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Madhav Hundekar made a concept presentation of this new, upcoming theatre and Rajesh Deshmukh proposed the vote of thanks.

The post Marathi creative people are keeping our cultural heritage alive: Paresh Raval appeared first on NRI News.

Please let us about yourself and your journey in the industry.

I hail from Rohtak, Haryana, and my fascination with the world of entertainment was ignited at an early age. The allure of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the power to evoke emotions through acting captivated me. This passion led me to embark on a journey that started with modeling. I was fortunate to participate in prestigious contests like Ru-Ba-Ru Mr. India Global and eventually win the Elite Model Look India contest. These experiences laid the foundation for my entry into acting. As I ventured into Mumbai, the heart of the industry, I encountered challenges and embraced growth, and now, I find myself in the midst of a fulfilling journey as an actor.

Transitioning from modeling to acting is quite a shift. Can you elaborate on the challenges and rewards you’ve encountered during this transition?

Transitioning from modeling to acting has been an exhilarating journey. While modeling allowed me to express myself through visual aesthetics, acting provided a deeper medium to convey emotions and tell intricate stories. One of the key challenges was to evolve from portraying a character visually on the ramp to bringing that character to life with depth and authenticity on screen. It demanded a shift in mindset, rigorous preparation, and a commitment to honing my craft. The rewards have been immensely satisfying – the chance to delve into diverse roles, collaborate with talented individuals, and engage with audiences on a more profound level.

How do you navigate and cope with the inevitable rejections that are a part of the entertainment industry?

Rejections are part and parcel of the entertainment industry, a reality every actor faces. Initially disheartening, I’ve learned not to equate them with my self-worth. Instead, I treat rejections as chances for growth. I see every “no” as a step toward a “yes.” Rejections prompt introspection and skill improvement. They drive me to work harder, learn more, and refine my craft. With a strong support system of friends, mentors, and loved ones, maintaining a positive outlook is easier. Resilience is key, understanding that rejection isn’t the end. Each setback fuels my determination to prove myself. This attitude propels me forward, keeping me motivated to persist and pursue success.

What drew you to this particular project ‘The Freelancer’ and your character?

The opportunity to play a complex negative role like this was incredibly appealing to me. I’ve always been fascinated by characters that challenge me as an actor and push me outside my comfort zone. ‘The Freelancer’ offered exactly that, and the character’s intricacies resonated with me.

Can you tell us about your role in the upcoming web series ‘The Freelancer’?

Absolutely. In ‘The Freelancer,’ I have the exciting opportunity to portray a negative role. My character is intricately woven into the storyline, adding layers of mystery and complexity. It’s a role that challenges conventional perceptions of antagonists and delves into the intricate motivations driving the character’s actions.

How would you describe your overall experience working on ‘The Freelancer’?

Working on ‘The Freelancer’ has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. It’s been a privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated team. The process of bringing this character to life challenged me as an actor and allowed me to explore uncharted territories. I am excited to share the result of our hard work with the audience.

The post Actor Navneet Mallik Talks About Transitioning from Modeling to Acting and Her Role in ‘The Freelancer’ Web Series appeared first on NRI News.