Born on September 17, 1970, in New Delhi, Mukul Dev carved a niche for himself with his charismatic screen presence and ability to bring depth to every role he played. A graduate of St. Columba’s School in Delhi, Dev also held a certificate in aeronautics from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation in Raebareli, showcasing his diverse interests before fully embracing his acting career. He debuted in 1996 with the television serial Mumkin and made his big-screen entry the same year with the romantic drama Dastak, starring alongside Sushmita Sen and Manoj Bajpayee.

Over his 25-year career, Dev became a familiar face across multiple film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam cinema. His notable Bollywood films include Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Son of Sardaar (2012), R… Rajkumar (2013), and Jai Ho (2014), where he shared the screen with industry giants like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, and Ajay Devgn. On television, he appeared in popular shows such as Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai, and Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, earning admiration for his versatility.

The news of Dev’s passing sent shockwaves through the industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and friends. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with Dev in Dastak, shared an emotional post on Instagram: “It’s impossible to put into words what I’m feeling. Mukul was a brother in spirit, an artist whose warmth and passion were unmatched. Gone too soon, too young. Praying for strength and healing for his family and everyone grieving this loss. Miss you meri jaan…until we meet again. Om Shanti .”

Actress Deepshikha Nagpal, a close friend, expressed her disbelief on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo with Dev and writing, “I can’t believe this muks… RIP.” She later spoke to India Today, revealing that Dev had kept his health struggles private, even from close friends. Actor Vindu Dara Singh, who co-starred with Dev in Son of Sardaar, confirmed the news and shared that Dev had become reclusive after the loss of his parents, which may have impacted his health. “He was an amazing person, and we will all miss him,” Singh told India Today.

Dev’s brother, actor Rahul Dev, and his daughter, Sia, survive him. The actor’s private nature meant he rarely discussed personal challenges, but his warmth and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on those who knew him. In a 2021 interview, Dev reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry, describing it as fulfilling and emphasizing his commitment to bringing authenticity to his roles.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with messages from fans and industry peers mourning the loss of the actor. Posts highlighted his contributions to Bollywood and regional cinema, with many calling him a “quiet star” whose work spoke louder than his presence off-screen.

Mukul Dev’s final film, Anth The End, marked his last appearance on the big screen, and colleagues expressed regret that he would not witness the release of Son of Sardaar 2, a posthumous project featuring Ajay Devgn. As the industry bids farewell to a talented performer, his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the countless lives he touched with his warmth and artistry.

The post Bollywood and Television Industry Mourns the Loss of Actor Mukul Dev at 54 first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Rajyogi Brahma Kumar Nikunj Ji, whose spiritual journey began at age 13 under the guidance of Rajyogini Brahmakumari Dr. Nalini Didi Ji, shared profound insights on the transformative power of Rajyoga Meditation. With over 8,500 published columns across India, Nepal, and the UK, he emphasized soul-consciousness and positive thinking as tools for resilience. “Our thoughts are the seeds of our actions. Cultivating a positive mindset fosters a life of peace and purpose,” he remarked.

Sonu Tyagi, with a rich background in Psychology, Journalism, Advertising & Film Productions, has made significant contributions to spiritual and entertainment media. Leading Approach Entertainment, Approach Communications, Approach Bollywood, and Go Spiritual, Tyagi’s award-winning work as a writer, director, and producer focuses on creating content that inspires self-discovery and emotional well-being. “Media can bridge timeless spiritual values with modern challenges, empowering balanced living,” he noted during the interaction.

Rajiv Krishnan Pisharoti enriched the discussion with perspectives on integrating spiritual principles into daily life, drawing from his dedicated service and meditation practice within Brahma Kumaris.

The interaction explored stress management, the impact of spirituality on mental health, and media’s role in promoting global peace. Nikunj Ji shared practical tools, such as a “one-minute peace” practice to build mental resilience, while Tyagi advocated for uplifting media content to unite communities. Pisharoti emphasized the value of consistent spiritual practice in personal and professional spheres.

The dialogue highlighted Brahma Kumaris’ women-led legacy and its global impact as an international NGO, with over 8,000 centres across 110 countries on all continents. This meaningful interaction underscored the shared vision of Rajyogi Nikunj Ji and Sonu Tyagi to empower individuals through spirituality and media, aligning with Brahma Kumaris’ mission of soul-consciousness and Go Spiritual’s innovative outreach.

Approach Entertainment is an award-winning, full-service company renowned for its expertise in Celebrity Management, Film Production, Advertising & Corporate Film Production, Film Marketing, Events, and Entertainment Marketing with operations in Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.

In addition to its core services, the company also operates a PR & Integrated Marketing Communications Agency under Approach Communications and manages a dedicated Bollywood Newswire through Approach Bollywood.

The group’s steadfast dedication to excellence has earned it several distinguished awards, including The Biz India 2010 Award from the World Confederation of Business, the Service Excellence Award from the Worldwide Marketing Organization, the PR Agency of the Year Award, and the Yuva Ratn Award.

In addition to its business ventures, the Group also operates Go Spiritual, a charitable spiritual organization dedicated to promoting philanthropy, spiritual awareness, mental health, spiritual tourism, organic living, wellness, publications, and spiritual events. As part of its mission, Go Spiritual publishes a digital magazine of the same name, serving as a platform to inspire and inform individuals about holistic living and spiritual growth.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Approach Entertainment
Phone: 9820965004 / 9716962242
Email: info@approachentertainment.com
Website: www.approachentertainment.com

Visit Rajyogi Brahma Kumar Nikunj Ji on : https://www.rajyoginikunj.in/

Visit Go Spiritual Organization on www.gospiritualindia.org & Download Go Spiritual News Magazine App Now. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spiritual.gospiritual&hl=en_IN&pli=1

The post Rajyogi Brahma Kumar Nikunj Ji and Sonu Tyagi Meet for a Transformative Dialogue on Spirituality and Media in Mumbai first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

In the teaser, Kiara makes a striking entrance in a stunning yellow bikini, exuding confidence and glamour against a picturesque backdrop of lush greenery and rolling hills. Her poised demeanor and radiant beauty have sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans and critics alike praising her bold and impactful cameo. Though her screen time is limited, the Shershaah actress has undeniably made a lasting impression, proving once again why she’s one of Bollywood’s most sought-after talents.

Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 promises to be a thrilling addition to the YRF Spy Universe, featuring Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as the suave agent Kabir, alongside new additions to the franchise. While the teaser primarily focuses on intense action sequences and dramatic face-offs, Kiara’s glamorous appearance has added a fresh layer of intrigue, hinting at a potentially significant role for her character in the film.

Kiara Advani, who has been riding high on the success of recent hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and JugJugg Jeeyo, shared her excitement about being part of the project. “Working on War 2 was an incredible experience. The energy on set was electric, and I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store,” she said in a recent interview.

Fans have taken to platforms like X to express their admiration, with one user writing, “Kiara Advani in that yellow bikini in the War 2 teaser? Absolute fire! She’s owning the screen!” Another commented, “Just a glimpse of Kiara, and I’m already sold. She’s going to be the highlight of War 2!”

As anticipation builds for the film’s release later this year, Kiara’s brief but electrifying appearance has undoubtedly raised the stakes for War 2. With her star power and the promise of a gripping storyline, the movie is poised to be one of 2025’s biggest cinematic spectacles.

Stay tuned for more updates on War 2 as the release date approaches! Download Approach Bollywood App Now.

The post Kiara Advani Steals the Spotlight with a Sizzling Cameo in War 2 Teaser first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The teaser, unveiled on YRF’s official YouTube channel and social media handles, opens with Jr NTR’s character boldly challenging Hrithik Roshan’s iconic spy Kabir, calling him “India’s best soldier.” Packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences, the teaser hints at a globe-trotting thriller with jaw-dropping stunts and intense showdowns. Kiara Advani, making her YRF debut, adds a sizzling edge with a brief but striking appearance in a bikini, sparking massive online chatter. The makers shared the teaser with the caption, “Double the fire. Double the fury. Pick your side. #War2Teaser out NOW.”

Fans on X have declared the teaser a “blockbuster,” praising the electric chemistry between Hrithik and Jr NTR, with many calling their face-off “a tsunami of hype.” Kiara’s glamorous entry has also become a talking point, with netizens buzzing about her bold new avatar. Hrithik’s ex-wife Sussanne Khan and girlfriend Saba Azad joined the excitement, commenting, “Out of this world!” on social media posts.

War 2 builds on the legacy of its 2019 predecessor, which was one of the year’s highest-grossing Hindi films. As part of the YRF Spy Universe, alongside blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Pathaan, and Tiger 3, the sequel aims to elevate the franchise with a pan-India appeal, strategically blending Bollywood and South Indian cinema through Jr NTR’s casting. Reports suggest Jr NTR plays a formidable villain, a role that has fans eagerly awaiting his Hindi cinema debut.

The teaser’s release, timed with Jr NTR’s birthday, has been hailed as a masterstroke, with fans flooding X with reactions. “Hrithik vs NTR is going to break the box office!” one user posted, while another wrote, “Kiara’s bikini shot and the action—War 2 is already iconic!” The film’s massive budget, world-tour settings, and Pritam’s electrifying music score further amplify expectations.

With War 2 poised to be a landmark release, the teaser has set the stage for what could be one of 2025’s biggest cinematic spectacles. As the countdown to August 14 begins, Bollywood and South Indian cinema fans alike are ready for a war like no other.

The post War 2 Teaser Launch: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s Explosive Face-Off Ignites Bollywood Buzz first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Sindoor, a precise retaliatory strike on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has been hailed as a bold response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. While the nation rallied behind its soldiers, with political leaders, celebrities, and citizens voicing unwavering support, the silence of Bollywood’s biggest superstars—Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan—has sparked intense debate and polarized public sentiment.

A Nation in Solidarity, Yet Silence from the Icons

Operation Sindoor, executed with surgical precision, destroyed key terror infrastructures, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad bases, earning praise for its strategic execution and the Indian Army’s bravery. Celebrities like Anupam Kher, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Shahid Kapoor took to social media to laud the armed forces, with posts ranging from heartfelt tributes to patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “India never forgets.” However, the absence of any public statement from Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik—often regarded as Bollywood’s most influential figures—has not gone unnoticed.

Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with reactions. Posts criticized the quartet for their silence, with some users questioning their patriotism and others calling for boycotts. “Not a single post on Operation Sindoor by any of the Khans or Hrithik ,” wrote one user, while another remarked, “Their silence said it all #ceasefire #IndiaPakistanWar.” The backlash intensified when Salman Khan briefly posted about the India-Pakistan ceasefire on May 11, tweeting, “Thank God for the ceasefire…,” only to delete it after netizens slammed him for ignoring the Pahalgam attack and the Army’s efforts.

Aamir Khan’s Delayed Response Fuels Controversy

Aamir Khan, known for his socially conscious films, faced particular scrutiny. On May 12, five days after Operation Sindoor, Aamir Khan Productions shared a post on X: “Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the security of our nation. Thank you to the Honourable Prime Minister for his leadership and determination. Jai Hind.” However, the timing—hours before the trailer launch of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par—drew accusations of opportunism. Netizens flooded comment sections with remarks like, “Too late, Dangal wale sir,” and “Where were you till now? You came when the boycott started.”

Aamir had previously addressed the Pahalgam attack at an ABP event on May 6, stating, “We need justice and assurance that it [terrorist attacks] won’t happen again. We believe in our government, they’ll take action against the anti-social elements.” While this showed some engagement, his delayed response to Operation Sindoor itself left many fans disappointed, with some suggesting his silence was a calculated move to avoid alienating his global fanbase.

Why the Silence?

The silence of Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik could stem from several factors. As cultural icons with massive followings in India and abroad, including Pakistan and the Middle East, their statements carry significant weight. A public stance on a politically charged issue like Operation Sindoor risks polarizing their diverse audience. “They know no harm will be done to their business interests by Indian nationalists. They don’t care,” one X user speculated, pointing to their substantial investments in Gulf countries.

Moreover, the stars may be wary of communal undertones in the criticism. Some social media posts have framed their silence as a betrayal, with remarks tinged with bias, particularly for the Khans given their Muslim identities. Hrithik, while not facing the same religious scrutiny, may also be cautious due to his high-profile status and past controversies. “It’s frustrating that their contributions to Indian cinema and society are often overlooked, and instead, they face unwarranted criticism,” noted a report on M9.news, highlighting the unfair expectation for these stars to constantly prove their loyalty.

Another perspective is that silence does not equate to indifference. The quartet may have chosen to support the armed forces privately or felt that public statements could be misconstrued in a tense climate. Preity Zinta, during an AMA session on X, addressed her co-stars’ silence diplomatically: “I cannot speak for everyone else as people process things differently. Being a fauji kid, these things hit close to my heart, so I am very vocal.” Her fans, however, were quick to name Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik in the comments, underscoring the public’s expectations.

The Role of Celebrities in National Discourse

The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in politically fraught times. While stars like Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and Riteish Deshmukh actively supported Operation Sindoor, the silence of Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik has been juxtaposed with their past patriotic roles in films like Pathaan, Tiger, Dangal, and War. “They make millions from patriotic films but stay mute when it’s time to show real loyalty,” one netizen remarked, reflecting a sentiment that celebrities bear a responsibility to amplify national unity.

Conversely, defenders argue that expecting mandatory public statements is unfair. “A social media post is no responsibility; it’s an easy, cheap way out for keyboard warriors,” a Reddit user commented. The stars’ silence could be a strategic choice to avoid escalating tensions, especially given the bans on Pakistani artists like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in India post-Pahalgam.

A Divided Public and an Ongoing Debate

As India navigates the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and a fragile ceasefire, the silence of Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan remains a lightning rod. While some view it as a betrayal, others see it as a prudent decision in a polarized climate. The debate underscores the immense pressure on public figures to align with national sentiment, even as their silence sparks louder conversations than words might have.

For now, Bollywood’s biggest stars remain tight-lipped, leaving fans and critics to speculate on their motives. Whether they choose to speak or maintain their silence, their influence ensures that their actions—or lack thereof—will continue to shape public discourse.

The post Why Bollywood’s Khans and Top Stars Remained Silent on Operation Sindoor ? first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films in association with Amazon MGM Studios, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a quirky rom-com with a time-loop twist, set against the vibrant backdrop of Varanasi. The film has generated significant buzz, topping IMDb’s list of Most Anticipated Movies, with fans eagerly awaiting its unique blend of romance, humor, and small-town charm. The ensemble cast, including veterans like Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav, adds to the film’s appeal as a family entertainer.

The controversy began when Maddock Films announced on May 8 that the film would skip its theatrical release, citing national security concerns following Operation Sindoor and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision to premiere the film on Prime Video on May 16 sparked backlash from exhibitors, particularly PVR Inox, who filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films for breaching their distribution agreement. PVR Inox argued that the last-minute cancellation, which they claimed was driven by poor advance bookings rather than geopolitical issues, caused significant financial losses.

The Bombay High Court intervened, initially halting the film’s OTT release and upholding PVR Inox’s rights. After a legal face-off, the court ruled in favor of a theatrical release, setting the new date for May 23, 2025. In a notable exception to the standard eight-week OTT window for Hindi films, the court has allowed Bhool Chuk Maaf to stream on Prime Video just two weeks after its theatrical debut, on June 6, 2025. This decision has been hailed as a victory for cinema chains and fans who were keen to experience the film on the big screen.

Maddock Films is set to resume its marketing campaign on May 15, with plans to rekindle the excitement around the film. The original promotional strategy included attaching teasers for Param Sundari (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor) and Thama (starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna) to the theatrical release, though it remains unconfirmed whether these plans will proceed.

Trade sources estimate that Bhool Chuk Maaf had sold around 5,000 tickets in national chains before the initial cancellation, with a projected opening of ₹3 crore. Analysts suggest that with strong content and no major Hindi film competition until June 6, the film could perform well at the box office, potentially collecting ₹15 crore over its opening weekend if word-of-mouth is favorable.

Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with posts on X celebrating the return of Bhool Chuk Maaf to theaters. “Can’t wait to see Rajkummar and Wamiqa light up the screen in Varanasi’s charm! #BhoolChukMaaf back where it belongs!” wrote one user. The film’s trailer, released on April 10, and its soulful track Koi Naa, launched on April 16, have already won hearts, setting the stage for a grand theatrical experience.

As the dust settles on this legal saga, Bhool Chuk Maaf is poised to deliver laughter, love, and a touch of time-loop magic to audiences nationwide. Mark your calendars for May 23, 2025, and get ready for a bhasad wali shaadi that promises to be unforgettable.

The post Bhool Chuk Maaf Set for Theatrical Release After Legal Battle first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The script is a major letdown. Raid 2’s screenplay is a patchwork of clichés and contrived scenarios that fail to evoke emotion or suspense. The dialogues, meant to carry the weight of high-stakes tax raids, feel theatrical and unnatural. Lines intended to sound profound come off as rehearsed, better suited to a dated soap opera than a modern thriller. Compared to the original Raid, where dialogues were sharp and grounded, the sequel’s writing feels lazy, breaking any chance of immersion.

The characters are equally weak. The protagonist, presumably continuing Amay Patnaik’s story, lacks the depth that made him compelling in the first film. Supporting characters, including villains and sidekicks, feel like caricatures forced into the plot to check boxes rather than to serve the narrative. There’s no organic development—relationships are superficial, and motivations are either vague or overly simplistic. The antagonist is particularly disappointing, lacking the cunning or menace needed to drive a gripping conflict. It’s as if the writers prioritized quantity over quality, cramming in characters without giving them space to evolve.

Visually, Raid 2 is lackluster. The cinematography is passable but uninspired, with scenes that feel staged rather than cinematic. Action sequences, which could have injected adrenaline, are poorly choreographed and lack tension. The set design feels artificial—locations meant to depict gritty realism look like polished studio setups, further alienating the audience. The editing is jarring, with abrupt transitions that disrupt the film’s flow. The background score, while occasionally effective, often overpowers the scenes, trying to force emotion where the script and performances fall flat.

The wasted potential is what stings most. The premise of Raid 2—tackling corruption through high-stakes tax investigations—could have been thrilling and relevant. In an era where audiences crave stories that resonate with real-world issues, this film could have been a sharp commentary on systemic greed and power. Instead, it leans on tired tropes and predictable plot beats, squandering its chance to be a worthy successor. It feels like a product of a worn-out formula, churned out to cash in on the original’s success rather than to tell a meaningful story.

Sitting in PVR Lido, Prem Agarwal and I felt the sting of the experience. Spending ₹300 on a ticket, only to shell out another ₹300 for a samosa and Pepsi, feels like an insult when the film fails to deliver. Bollywood’s ticket prices keep rising, but the quality of mainstream films like Raid 2 seems to be plummeting. It’s disheartening to leave the theater feeling cheated, both emotionally and financially. This isn’t just about one film—it’s a wake-up call for the industry. Bollywood, you’re capable of brilliance! Films like Andhadhun, Tumbbad, or even the original Raid showed your ability to craft stories that captivate and challenge. Why settle for mediocrity?

For Raid 2 to have succeeded, it needed a tighter script, authentic performances, and a director willing to take risks. Instead, it feels like a cash grab, banking on brand recognition without earning its place. The box office and OTT platforms reward quality—look at the success of smaller, well-crafted films that outshine bloated blockbusters. If Bollywood wants to win back audiences like Prem and me, it needs to prioritize storytelling over star power, substance over flash.

In conclusion, Raid 2 is a forgettable addition to Bollywood’s 2025 slate. It’s not outright terrible, but it’s painfully average, and in an industry brimming with talent, average is unacceptable. I’m fed up with spending hard-earned money on films that feel like they were made on autopilot. Dear Bollywood, take note: make engaging, heartfelt films, and the audiences will follow. Until then, Raid 2 is a pass—save your ₹600 and wait for something worth your time.

• Sonu Tyagi, Editor, Approach Bollywood

The post Sonu Tyagi’s Late Review: Raid 2 – A Frustrating Misstep for Bollywood first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Prepared by reputed national and international Agencies, these Reports provide valuable insights into the creator economy, content production, legal frameworks, live events industry, and data-backed policy support.

Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment 2024-25

The Statistical Handbook prepared by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting serves as an essential resource for data-driven policy and decision-making. It captures sectoral trends, audience behaviour, revenue growth patterns, and regional and national trajectories. The handbook is designed to inform and guide future policymaking and industry strategies, ensuring that they remain grounded in empirical evidence and practical realities. Highlights of the Handbook include:

• Publications registered with PRGI: increased from 5,932 in 1957 to 154,523 in 2024–25, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.99%.
• Books brought out by Publications Division: 130 books published in 2024–25 on themes such as children’s literature, history, freedom struggle, science, environment, and biographies.
• Doordarshan Free Dish: Expanded from 33 channels in 2004 to 381 in 2025.
• DTH Service: Achieved 100% geographical coverage by March 2025.
• All India Radio (AIR):
  • • Now reaches 98% of India’s population (as of March 2025).
    • Number of AIR stations grew from 198 in 2000 to 591 in 2025.
• Private Satellite TV Channels: Increased from 130 in 2004–05 to 908 in 2024–25.
• Private FM stations rose from 4 in 2001 to 388 by 2024; the report provides a state-wise breakup as of March 31, 2025.
• Community Radio Stations (CRS): Expanded from 15 in 2005 to 531 in 2025, with state/district/location-wise details included.
• Film Certification: The number of Indian feature films certified grew from 741 in 1983 to 3,455 in 2024–25, with a cumulative total of 69,113 films certified by 2024–25.
• Film Sector Developments: Includes data on awards, international film festivals, and documentaries produced by NFDC.
• Digital Media and Creator Economy: Covers achievements under WAVES OTT, establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), and the Create in India Challenge (CIC).
• Landmark Chronology: Features significant milestones in the Information and Broadcasting sector including the establishment of PRGI, Akashvani, Doordarshan, INSAT-based TV services, and private FM radio.
• Skilling Initiatives: Information on training and capacity-building programmes under the Ministry.
• Ease of Doing Business: Measures implemented to facilitate simplified and transparent processes for media and content creators.

‘From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy’ – Report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

The Report  highlights the unprecedented scale and impact of India’s creator economy in the digital era. With 2 to 2.5 million active digital creators, India is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing creator ecosystems. These creators already influence more than $350 billion in annual consumer spending—a figure projected to triple and exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

The report urges stakeholders to look beyond numerical metrics and acknowledge the evolving role of creators as storytellers, culture-shapers, and economic drivers. For businesses, this shift implies moving away from transactional influencer engagements and building long-term partnerships rooted in authenticity, trust, and creative agility.

‘A Studio Called India’ by Ernst & Young – Envisions India as a Global Content Hub

The Report presents India not just as a content-consuming nation but as a studio to the world. It underlines India’s strengths — linguistic diversity, cultural richness, and a technologically adept talent pool — which position the country to create narratives that transcend borders.

India offers a 40% to 60% cost advantage in animation and VFX services, supported by a large, skilled workforce. The report also notes the increasing international appeal of Indian storytelling, with up to 25% of views on Indian OTT content now originating from overseas audiences. This phenomenon is not merely commercial—it represents a moment of cultural diplomacy, wherein India’s stories are forging emotional and cultural connections across continents.

‘Legal Currents: A Regulatory Handbook on India’s Media & Entertainment Sector 2025’ by Khaitan & Co

Recognizing that creativity must be complemented by regulatory clarity, Khaitan & Co. has prepared a detailed legal and regulatory handbook for the media and entertainment sector. Designed as a practical guide for producers, studios, influencers, and platforms, the handbook covers a range of key legal issues such as:

• Compliance norms for both domestic and foreign entities
• Incentive schemes for international productions
• Legal frameworks around influencer marketing and digital content
• Definitions and taxation implications in the gaming sector, including GST
• Protection of celebrity rights
• Ethical considerations and regulatory treatment of AI-generated content

This handbook is intended to equip stakeholders with tools for confident, compliant, and responsible engagement in the creative economy.

Whitepaper on India’s Live Events Industry

The White Paper on India’s Live Events Industry underscores the sector’s robust growth and shifting consumer dynamics. With a 15% year-on-year growth rate, the industry added ₹13 billion in revenue in 2024 alone.

The report notes that nearly half a million fans are now travelling between cities to attend events, reinforcing the emergence of event-based tourism in India. There is a rising demand for premium and curated experiences, and Tier-2 cities such as Shillong, Vadodara, and Jamshedpur are emerging as cultural centres.

To support and scale this momentum, the whitepaper highlights the need for:

• Upgraded event infrastructure
• Streamlined and simplified licensing processes
• Stronger and more transparent music rights frameworks
• Formal recognition of the live events sector under MSME and creative economy policies.

The Report calls for a strategic reimagining of India as not just a spectator in the global cultural arena, but a key stage in the international spotlight.

The launch event was attended by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri R.K. Jena, Senior Economic Advisor, MIB; Smt. Meenu Batra, Joint Secretary, MIB; and Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary, MIB and MD, NFDC. Representing the Knowledge Partners, Shri Vipin Gupta, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group, Ms. Payal Mehta, Partner, Boston Consulting Group; Shri Ashish Pherwani, Partner, Ernst & Young; Shri Amiya Swarup, Partner, Ernst & Young; Ms.Tanu Banerjee, Partner, Technology and Media, Khaitan & Co; Shri Ishan Johri Partner Khaitan & Co; Shri Vinod Janardhan, Director, EVENTSFAQ Live; Shri Deepak Chaudhury MD, EVENTS FAQ also attended the event in Mumbai

The post Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan Launches Key Knowledge Reports on Media and Entertainment Sector at WAVES 2025; highlights India’s Rise as a Global Creative Powerhouse first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Speaking about the future of film-making, Aamir Khan said, that AI technology has enabled films to be shot without the actor in the scene! AI and technology is capable of adding the Actor later in the scene.

The first and foremost task for an actor is to get into the mind of the character, said the versatile actor who over the years have gifted many memorable characters to Indian Cinema. And how does he get into the skin of the character? The dedicated actor states, “I spend a lot of time with scripts. I read the script again and again. If the script is good, you will understand the character, its physicality, attitude etc. will all come from it”. Additionally, discussions on the character and story with the director also gives an idea.

By throwing light on his hard-working nature, Mr. Khan revealed, “I have a weak memory. So, I hand-write dialogues. I take up the difficult scenes first. The dialogues must be by heart. On first day, I just work on it.  I do it every day for 3-4 months, and then it gets into me. The dialogues have to become yours. You have to own it. When it was written it was the script-writer’s. It later becomes yours. When you repeat the same line, you realize, you can do it many a way.

What is a difficult task for actors? An actor has to repeat and go for retake of scenes with same emotional intensity every day, said Aamir Khan.

Another important tip for budding actors which came from Aamir Khan is – “The more honest you are, the better you will perform”. 

So, how does Mr. Aamir Khan practice his scenes?

The answer is “I visualize scenes before giving shots. I never look into mirror while practicing scenes.”

What is Aamir Khan’s personal favourite of all his film-projects?  As many guessed, it is ‘Taare Zameen Par’ as it taught many parents to be patient with their children, support them and be empathetic with their little ones!

What other tips did the veteran actor have for those who are just starting off?

“When I use emotion, it has to come from the script. You have to believe the script. Sometimes there are scenes in the films which are not believable. But the actor may make you believe it. Actor has to convince the audience about what is being shown”.

What is a good script? Aamir Khan said, “A good script will have a clear premise. Goal setting should come in first ten percent of the story. Otherwise the interest of audience will be lost”.

But most important tip for all involved in a film project – “Do what the scene demands, and don’t just think of your own work in it”.

The post Master actor-creator Aamir Khan shares his views on ‘The Art of Acting,’ at WAVES 2025 first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The conversation on the theme “Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity, and Creative Capital” explored the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital era, the impact of streaming on creative freedom, and India’s growing presence on the global entertainment map.

When asked about the future of storytelling, Sarandos said, “It’s very difficult to predict where storytelling is headed. But what remains constant is the intent to connect with audiences. Our investments in India have generated over $2 billion in economic impact, post COVID. That’s all the jobs created, skills developed, and infrastructure supported. We’ve filmed across 100+ towns and cities in India across 23 states, and collaborated with over 25,000 local cast and crew,” the Netflix CEO said.”

Saif Ali Khan, reflecting on his collaboration with Netflix in the popular series Sacred Games, emphasized the transformative power of streaming platforms. “Earlier, we had to conform to rigid formats. Streaming has liberated actors and filmmakers from those constraints. Now, people across the globe can watch our stories, which they might have missed in traditional cinema,” he said.

Elaborating on the democratization of filmmaking in India, he said, “audiences can access diverse stories anytime, and creators have more freedom to tell them. It’s a continuous cycle of watching and making.”

Addressing the coexistence of cinema and streaming, Sarandos reaffirmed that theatrical releases still hold value. “Cinemas are not outdated. Streaming and theaters are not competitors. They can move ahead coexisting each other as the market before us is huge,” he said.

Saif echoed the sentiment, adding that the most meaningful projects for him are those rooted in Indian culture. “If someone abroad asks me about my films, I talk about Omkaara or Parineeta — films deeply connected to our culture. There’s something incredibly thrilling about telling our own stories to the world,” he said.

Both Sarandos and Saif praised WAVES as a platform that amplifies the creative synergy between global and Indian storytellers. Sarandos praised the initiative, saying, “If the ideas presented here work, they’ll succeed beyond imagination. WAVES is a fantastic platform for that momentum.”

The WAVES summit continues to bring together visionaries and industry experts from across the globe to shape the future of the entertainment industry through dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange.

The post Our investments in India have generated over $2 billion in economic impact, post COVID: Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix first appeared on Approach Bollywood.