The world of Urdu poetry has lost one of its most beloved and accessible voices. Renowned poet Dr. Bashir Badr passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 91 in Bhopal after a prolonged illness. Born Syed Muhammad Bashir on February 15, 1935, in Ayodhya, he leaves behind a legacy of over 18,000 couplets that captured the raw simplicity of human emotions—love, longing, loss, and resilience—with a clarity that transcended literary circles and touched the common soul.

A scholar who earned his BA, MA, and PhD from Aligarh Muslim University, Bashir Badr taught Urdu literature with distinction. His life was not without trials. In 1987, during the Meerut communal riots, he lost his home and invaluable unpublished works to fire. Yet he rebuilt and continued to create, eventually settling in Bhopal. His resilience mirrored the themes in his ghazals—quiet strength amid life’s tempests.

What set Bashir Badr apart was his gift for simplicity. In an era where poetry sometimes became dense and inaccessible, his words flowed like everyday conversations elevated to profound art. He enriched the modern ghazal with a unique diction that was contemporary, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. His collections earned him prestigious honors such as the Padma Shri and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. He was truly a “people’s poet,” widely quoted in Indian pop culture.

As the founder of Approach Entertainment and Go Spiritual, I have always believed that true art bridges the material and the divine. Bashir Badr’s poetry did exactly that—it spoke of earthly desires and heartbreaks while gently pointing toward the spiritual essence of existence. His verses often carried a quiet mysticism, reflecting life’s impermanence and the beauty found in acceptance.

One of my personal favorites has always been his ghazal immortalized in the soulful voice of Chandan Das:

न जी भर के देखा न कुछ बात की बड़ी आरज़ू थी मुलाक़ात की

These lines capture an ache of unfulfilled longing with such elegant restraint. The ghazal evokes the bittersweet nature of encounters that leave us yearning for more—the missed opportunities to truly see and connect. Chandan Das’s rendition adds a haunting melody that makes the words linger long after the music fades. Whenever I listen to it, it reminds me why poetry matters: it articulates what the heart feels but cannot always express.

Bashir Badr’s passing is not just the end of an era for Urdu literature but a moment for all of us who value cultural and spiritual heritage to reflect. In today’s fast-paced world of short attention spans and digital noise, his work stands as a testament to the enduring power of sincere expression.

As his funeral prayers were offered in Bhopal and he was laid to rest at Bada Bagh graveyard, tributes have poured in from across the nation. Yet, the greatest tribute remains in the countless hearts where his couplets continue to live.

Dr. Bashir Badr may have left the physical world, but his words will keep shining.

Rest in peace, Sahab. Your words will keep the conversations alive.

— Sonu Tyagi

The post “न जी भर के देखा न कुछ बात की, बड़ी आरज़ू थी मुलाक़ात की” – A Tribute to Bashir Badr (1935–2026) first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Established in 1990, Catrack Entertainment is a pioneering Punjabi music label that helped shape the genre’s defining era. Its “golden era” catalogue features iconic artists such as Babbu Maan, Malkit Singh, Channi Singh, and Dolly Singh, while also supporting early talent like Manmohan Waris, Surjit Khan, and Sukhwinder Panchhi. With a strong digital footprint and enduring cultural relevance, the catalogue offers significant opportunities across sync, film and OTT, brand collaborations, and contemporary reinterpretations.

This follows Times Music’s earlier acquisitions of ARC Musicq and Symphony Recording Co., as the company emerges as a steady and trustworthy “ deal closer “ to many such acquisitions 

Mr. Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group shares, “At The Times Group, we have always championed the voices that define India’s cultural fabric and with the acquisition of Catrack; Times Music reaffirms it’s commitment to preserving and powerfully amplifying the rich heritage of Punjabi music worldwide.”

Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music, said, “The Catrack catalogue is a cultural treasure that defined an era for Punjabi music lovers. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to preserving and re-energising India’s most iconic music and artists.”

Gaurav Trehan, Director, Catrack Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., said, “Times Music is an ideal partner for preserving the legacy of music created by Catrack, and the integrity and speed with which they closed this acquisition is commendable.”

David Loiterton, President, Indo & Asia Pacific, Primary Wave Music, added, “We’re delighted to welcome the legendary music of Catrack to our partnership with Times Music. Catrack is a great example of our pursuit of unique, iconic music IP that can transcend generations and cultures, and we’re looking forward to helping Times Music bring that music to new audiences around the world.”

The post Times Music acquires legendary Punjabi music company Catrack Entertainment, strengthening its classic Punjabi music portfolio, its third acquisition first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The bhajan, with lyrics and music by Sameer Nath, carries a strong message encouraging devotees to chant Lord Ram’s name fearlessly in daily life.

Explaining the inspiration behind the song, Sameer Nath shares:

“This song and its lyrics were written because I noticed that people happily chant ‘Ram Ram’, ‘Jai Shree Ram’, and ‘Sita Ram’, but they don’t chant ‘Ram Naam Satya Hai’. The reason is that a deep fear or thought has settled in their minds — that ‘Ram Naam Satya Hai’ can only be said when carrying a dead body to the cremation ground (shamshan ghat).

But brother, if the existence of Lord Ram is the Truth, then His Name is also the Truth! No one can deny or falsify it, right?

That’s why I say it with full confidence and pride, beating my chest: Ram Naam Satya Tha, Satya Hai aur Hamesha Satya Hi Rahega. Jai Shree Ram!”

The timely release on Ram Navami aims to remove the hesitation many devotees feel and remind everyone that Lord Ram’s name is eternal truth — not just for the departed, but for the living as well.

The soulful bhajan is now available on Shankhnaad TV’s YouTube channel:

Go Spiritual News Magazine & App celebrates this inspiring initiative. In today’s world, such bhajans strengthen faith and help devotees connect with divine truth without any fear or limitation.

Let us all chant with conviction: Ram Naam Satya Tha, Satya Hai, aur Hamesha Satya Hi Rahega!

Jai Shree Ram!

The post Shankhnaad TV Releases Powerful Bhajan “Ram Naam Satya Hai” on Ram Navami first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Mumbai, March 21, 2026 – In a refreshing blend of melody and social purpose, a new community-driven music group has taken root in Powai, Mumbai. Sangeet Symphony – Dil Se, Sur Se (Music from the Heart, from the Notes) is emerging as a heartfelt platform that goes beyond casual singing to foster creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural pride through music and education.

Founded by Vijay Shyam Pherwani, a passionate mentor and music enthusiast, Sangeet Symphony positions itself as more than a karaoke gathering—it’s a mission-oriented movement. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in India’s education system by integrating music appreciation and practice into academic and community life. Long-term goals include collaborating with schools, colleges, and educators to introduce free music workshops, appreciation modules, and sessions encouraging students to explore ragas and classical elements.

The core team includes a dedicated group of music lovers: Avani Jain, Zakir Ahmed, Venkat Iyer, Darshak Bhayani, Chitra M, Cdr. Sakti Das, and Geetanjali Dhulekar, alongside founder-mentor Vijay Shyam Pherwani. Together, they bring passion, diverse voices, and a shared commitment to making music meaningful.

“Our vision is Music & Academia,” Pherwani shared. “Music has the power to heal, connect, and inspire. We’re starting small but dreaming big—to make music a rightful part of learning and community building.”

The group’s inaugural step is the Weekend Morning Melodies series—free early morning open-air singing sessions held on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to around 9:00 AM (or similar timings) at the scenic Ambrosia Gardens in Hiranandani Powai (also referred to as Heritage & Ambrosia Gardens). These soulful gatherings unfold amidst morning walkers, yoga enthusiasts, and nature lovers, infusing the fresh air with harmonious voices and positive energy.

Inspired by successful open-air singing communities already thriving in areas like Lokhandwala, Aarey Milk Colony, Malabar Hill, Bandra, Juhu, and Chembur, Sangeet Symphony seeks to create the same magical morning rhythm in Powai.

Pherwani emphasizes the inclusive spirit: “If you love music and believe in its power to make a difference—come join us. It’s completely free, open to all, and starts with joy and purpose. A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step.”

Sangeet Symphony turned six beautiful months today — launched on 21st September 2025, and already feeling like family.

The occasion was marked with a simple, warm celebration: sharing delicious sweets that Monika so kindly brought in (fresh from her recent birthday vibes ), plenty of laughter, music in the air, and of course… one big, happy group photograph to capture the milestone forever.

Dil se. Sur se. Aur ab six months se

Residents and music enthusiasts in Powai and surrounding areas are invited to participate in these uplifting sessions.

Sangeet Symphony is poised to add a melodic layer to Powai’s vibrant community life—proving that true symphony happens when hearts and notes align for a greater cause.

Approach Bollywood Newswire & App – Bringing you the beats of Mumbai’s cultural pulse.

The post New Community Music Initiative Launches in Powai: Sangeet Symphony Brings ‘Music with a Mission’ to Morning Melodies first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The partnership brings together the group’s complete 360-degree expertise through its two full-service divisions. Approach Communications, the celebrated PR, digital marketing and integrated communications arm, will lead all media relations, artist publicity, digital amplification and strategic communication initiatives. Complementing this, Approach Entertainment, the powerhouse in celebrity & artist management, full-fledged film productions, advertising & corporate films, film marketing, events and entertainment marketing, will exclusively handle the entire production pipeline, celebrity and artist management, live concerts, branded collaborations, experiential events and all entertainment marketing activities for the label and its roster of artists.

This seamless synergy will power a high-impact, multi-platform campaign designed to catapult Ramashree Harmony Music and its talents into the national and global spotlight.

Mumbai-based Ramashree Harmony Music has swiftly emerged as a breath of fresh air in the independent music landscape, championing originality, world-class production and soulful storytelling. The label made a spectacular debut in 2025 with the romantic monsoon anthem “Barish Ka Mousam Aayaa”, written, composed and sung by the extraordinary Dr. Shamkumar Shinde — a track that continues to win hearts across the country with its evocative lyrics and mesmerising melody.

By offering complete end-to-end support from studio-grade recording and global distribution through Ditto Music to aggressive social-media and digital promotion, the label ensures every release reaches major platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn and Amazon Music.

Dr. Shamkumar Shinde, currently pursuing his MS ENT postgraduate residency at Mumbai’s prestigious KEM Hospital, embodies a rare blend of medical dedication and musical brilliance. Known for his electrifying full-orchestra live performances, he continues to heal through science and touch souls through melody.

Rani Atram, Head & Spokesperson, Ramashree Harmony Music, said, “This partnership with Approach Entertainment & Communications marks the perfect leap forward for us. Their unrivalled command over entertainment marketing, celebrity networks, PR and digital reach will help our music travel to every corner of India and beyond.”

Sonu Tyagi, Founder & Director, Approach Entertainment & Communications Group, added, “Ramashree Harmony Music’s authentic and soul-stirring vision aligns beautifully with everything we stand for. We are thrilled to bring our full entertainment and communications arsenal to elevate this label and artists like Dr. Shamkumar Shinde to the biggest stages.”

Sonu Tyagi is an award-winning writer, director and producer with professional qualifications in Advertising Management, Journalism and Film Making. Before founding the group, he worked with leading advertising agencies and media houses in India. He has co-produced the critically acclaimed spiritual web series Two Great Masters, is currently co-producing the international film Liberation, and serves as Creative Producer on the upcoming satirical Hindi comedy Camp Decent starring Brijendra Kala, Rajpal Yadav, Sara Khan and Hemant Pandey.

The Approach Entertainment & Communications Group has been honoured with prestigious recognitions including the Biz India 2010 Award from the World Confederation of Businesses, the Service Excellence Award from the World Marketing Organization, and PR Company of the Year at the Business Tycoon Awards.

With a strong presence across Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Jalandhar, the group remains the preferred partner for films, celebrities, music labels and corporates in entertainment, healthcare, finance, education and spiritual sectors.

The Approach Entertainment Group also houses Go Spiritual, a dedicated spiritual and wellness organization committed to promoting spirituality, philanthropy and social causes, mental health awareness, holistic wellness, spiritual tourism, events, media and organic living**.

Go Spiritual actively drives meaningful initiatives across these domains and has recently launched the Go Spiritual News Magazine App. The organization is also gearing up to launch Go Spiritual OTT, a forthcoming streaming platform focused on positive, uplifting and spiritually enriching content.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Approach Entertainment & Communications

Phone: +91-9820965004 | +91-9716962242

Email: info@approachentertainment.com

Websites: www.approachentertainment.com | www.approachcommunications.in

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The post Approach Entertainment & Communications Bags PR, Digital & Integrated Communications Mandate for Ramashree Harmony Music first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Penned by Kaushal Kishore and soulfully rendered by Armaan Khan, “Qubool” is a stirring expression of love that speaks through silence, glances, and longing. The soundtrack of Haq promises more heartfelt moments with tracks like “Dil Tod Gaya Tu” and other yet-to-be-released songs that continue to build on the film’s emotional arc.

Emraan Hashmi shared, “There’s a certain magic when music becomes the soul of a film, and Qubool does exactly that. Vishal has crafted a melody that feels alive with emotion, and it beautifully carries the heart of our story.”

Yami Gautam adds, “Qubool is that rare song that lives in the quiet spaces in glances, unsaid words, and aching silences. It mirrors my character’s deepest emotions her vulnerability, strength, and longing. Performing to it was not just about expressing love, but about embodying a silent storm within”

Composer Vishal Mishra said, “The music of Haq is built on emotion & the power of Indian melodies and raagas. Qubool is an expression of love woven in indianness and modern expression. I wanted the song to sound pure, intimate yet cinematic, to echo what the characters feel without saying too much.”

Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music/Junglee Music, said, “We’re thrilled to present Qubool as the first song from Haq. Vishal Mishra’s music brings emotional depth and character to the film’s storytelling, and with Emraan and Yami’s performances, this track becomes even more special. It’s a beautiful start to the journey ahead.”

“Qubool” from Haq is out now on Junglee Music across all streaming platforms and YouTube. Produced by Junglee Pictures, in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, Haq Directed by Suparn Verma releases in cinemas on 7th November.

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The post Emraan Hashmi & Yami Gautam’s Captivating On-Screen Bond Shines in Vishal Mishra’s Soulful Track “Qubool” from Haq first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Blending energetic rhythms with rich expressive vocals, Jai Shree Ganesha brings alive the joy, devotion and grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi. The song captures the excitement of processions, the warmth of prayers and the festive spirit that fills every home during the celebrations.

Shankar Mahadevan said, “Jai Shree Ganesha is filled with the festive spirit and energy that Lord Ganesha inspires. It’s a track that celebrates devotion and joy in equal measure and I’m excited for listeners to welcome Bappa with this music.”

Siddharth Mahadevan added, “The vibe of Jai Shree Ganesha is pure celebration. It’s a track that will instantly make you feel like joining the aarti and dancing with the procession.”

Shivam Mahadevan shared, “Singing along with my father and brother for a song dedicated to Ganpati Bappa is always special. We wanted to create something that fills every home with positivity and celebration.”

Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music, said, “Jai Shree Ganesha is an extraordinary festive track that will connect deeply with audiences during Ganesh Chaturthi. Having Shankar, Siddharth and Shivam together makes this song truly powerful and unforgettable.”

Jai Shree Ganesha is now available worldwide on Times Music and all major streaming platforms.

The post Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with Shankar, Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan’s New Song Jai Shree Ganesha first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Known for supporting parents through every stage of the parenting journey, R for Rabbit now turns its focus to mothers, encouraging them to rediscover their identities beyond motherhood. The film accompanying the song captures everyday moments of motherhood, quiet sacrifices, unconditional love, and internal transformation culminating in a deeply resonant message: “Don’t lose yourself in this journey.”

Sheveeta Hegde, Head of Times Music Brands, said, “At Times Music Brands, we believe in the power of music to connect, engage, and inspire. We are proud to be able to infuse soul into this meaningful initiative by R for Rabbit. This rendition of the beloved song ‘Mumma’ beautifully captures the emotional depth of motherhood — it’s a message, a tribute, and a call to see mothers for all they are.”

Kunal Popat, Founder of R for Rabbit, shared, “We’ve seen how much mothers give of themselves, this campaign is a gentle nudge to every mom to pause, breathe, and remember she matters too. With Times Music Brands as our partner, we were able to take this message to a deeper emotional space and connect with mothers in a truly meaningful way.”

Kinjal Popat, Co-Founder & COO, added, “This collaboration with Times Music Brands gave us the perfect platform to express a message we truly believe in. Motherhood is beautiful, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s individuality. This song is our tribute to every woman who gives endlessly yet quietly forgets her own dreams.”

The post R for Rabbit and Times Music Recreate iconic ‘Mumma’ song to Remind Mothers: Never Forget Your Dreams first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The award ceremony, held in Burbank, California (widely known as the media capital of the world) featured official proclamations from the Mayor of Burbank, the County of Los Angeles, and representatives from the State of California, underscoring the significance of this recognition.

Times Music, a joint venture between The Times Group and Primary Wave, has transformed into a dominant force in recorded music, publishing, and artist management. The company’s diverse portfolio includes Junglee Music, which focuses on Bollywood soundtracks, and ffs, an indie music sub-label that champions India’s rich musical landscape.

Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group stated, “This award is a recognition of Times Music’s and its team’s dedication and effort toward building a global business and I wish Mandar and team continued success.”

Reflecting on this achievement, Mandar Thakur, CEO, Times Music shared: “This recognition highlights India’s expanding influence in the global music industry and cements Times Music’s role as a key player on the world stage”.

Previous “International Music Person of the Year” awards honourees have included Grammy & Emmy Award Winning & Oscar nominated global hit songwriter Diane Warren; Monte Lipman & Avery Lipman, Co-Founders, Republic Records; Harvey Goldsmith (renowned concert promoter – Live Aid, Live Earth, Prince’s Trust); Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President Music, EA Games; George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, UK & Ireland Apple; Pete Ganbarg, President A&R Atlantic Records; Daniel Glass, President & Founder, Glassnote Entertainment Group amongst others.

The post Times Music’s CEO, Mandar Thakur awarded ‘The International Music Person of the Year’ at MUSEXPO 2025 first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The performance, featuring Uma Devi on vocals, Egor Gavrilenko on bass, Denis Shvets on drums, and Nila Gopal on tabla, is a masterful blend of ancient Indian spirituality and modern musical sensibilities. The Hanuman Chalisa, a revered 40-verse hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, has been reimagined with Shanti People’s unique fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds, creating an unforgettable experience for listeners.

Uma Devi’s soulful vocals bring a profound sense of devotion to the hymn, while the band’s instrumentation adds a dynamic and meditative quality. Their flawless execution and deep respect for Indian culture have struck a chord with audiences worldwide, making this performance a standout moment in the realm of spiritual music.

The resurgence of this video highlights the growing global interest in Indian spiritual practices. Social media is abuzz with praise, with many viewers marveling at the authenticity and passion of the performance. Comments have poured in, expressing gratitude for the band’s ability to bridge cultural gaps and introduce the teachings of Indian spirituality to a global audience.

Shanti People has long been known for their ability to seamlessly integrate sacred Indian mantras with modern music styles. This performance, now gaining fresh recognition in India, reaffirms their role as cultural ambassadors, spreading the universal message of devotion and unity.

For the Go Spiritual community, the viral video is a moment to celebrate the universal appeal of Indian spirituality and its ability to inspire people across cultures and generations. The renewed popularity of this 2015 performance underscores the enduring power of devotion and the ways in which music can serve as a bridge between diverse traditions.

As Uma Devi and Shanti People’s live rendition continues to touch hearts, it serves as a reminder that spirituality and music transcend time and geography, connecting humanity through shared reverence for the divine.

The post Ukrainian Singer Uma Devi and Her Band Shanti People’s Soulful Rendition of Hanuman Chalisa Goes Viral Again first appeared on Approach Bollywood.