The celebration was not just another gathering—it was a movement in itself, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting women in all their avatars: as mothers, daughters, professionals, creators, caregivers, and visionaries. By synchronizing the themes of both Mother’s Day and Women’s Day, “Astitwa” created a bridge that celebrated the eternal relevance of womanhood across generations and contexts.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Impact and Identity

Gracing the occasion were celebrated personalities who have made an indelible mark in their respective fields. Among them, iconic actors Rituparna Sengupta and Priyanka Sarkar stood out—not only for their dazzling screen presence but also for their off-screen contributions to social causes. They were each felicitated with the Astitwa Honour, recognizing their exceptional journeys, enduring influence, and continued efforts to uplift and inspire society, especially women.

Joining them were distinguished names such as Santi Das Basak, Dr. Parnamita Bhattacharya, Zeba Akhtar Ali, and Naina More, along with a gathering of socially conscious individuals, change-makers, and spirited citizens committed to driving forward the narrative of women’s empowerment.

Enlightening Sessions: Knowledge for a Better Tomorrow

A key feature of “Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan” was its focus on health awareness and education—a central pillar of this year’s initiative. The event hosted three impactful sessions aimed at empowering women through knowledge about critical health-related issues:

• Gynecology Session: Experts shed light on key women’s health issues, myths around menstruation, menopause, and reproductive health—encouraging open dialogue and awareness.

• Nutrition Session: Nutritionists provided vital insights into balanced diets, lifestyle choices, and diet-related disease prevention. This was especially relevant for urban women who often neglect their own health amidst familial and professional responsibilities.

• Dementia Awareness Session: This segment emphasized the urgent need for society to understand and prepare for the growing challenge of dementia in India’s aging population. With families often unaware of how to care for dementia patients, the discussion proved both timely and transformative.

These sessions were not only informative but also deeply engaging, sparking conversations among attendees long after the presentations concluded. The knowledge imparted was practical, accessible, and designed to create ripples of awareness at both personal and community levels.

Voices of Purpose and Power

In her powerful address, Mrs. Moonmoon Chakraborty, CEO of Woman Times, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the event’s overwhelming reception. “Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan has never been just our initiative. It belongs to everyone who believes in the power and potential of women. This gathering reflects real stories, shared hopes, and collective dreams. As a platform that champions health, empowerment, and dignity, we are proud to align with causes that can lead to real change on the ground,” she said.

Mrs. Chakraborty emphasized that health is at the very core of Woman Times’ mission in 2025. Through collaborations with healthcare institutions and wellness experts, the organization aims to deepen its impact on community well-being, particularly for women across all socio-economic backgrounds.

Mrs. Mamta Binani, a leading corporate professional and Advisory Board Member of Woman Times, echoed similar sentiments. “Astitwa is more than an event—it’s a recognition of every woman’s unique identity and journey. It is a reminder that acknowledging women’s achievements and challenges in health, leadership, and art is the only way to build a more equitable and compassionate world,” she said.

In a touching speech, Ms. Poulami Chakraborty, Founding Editor of Woman Times, reflected on the divine strength and grace of women. “If human beings are the most powerful species, then women are perhaps something even beyond that. A woman deserves respect not just because of her roles—as daughter, wife, or mother—but because of who she is. Respect must never be conditional. It must be foundational.”

Honoring Cinema as a Vehicle of Awareness

A standout moment during the event was the recognition of Team Puratawn, creators of a poignant short film that focuses on dementia awareness. As dementia continues to rise among the elderly in India, the team’s creative efforts were celebrated for shedding light on this silent health crisis. By weaving powerful storytelling with social relevance, Puratawn’s film managed to evoke empathy and spark dialogue.

The award served as a reminder that cinema, when used meaningfully, can become a medium for powerful advocacy and change. The team’s initiative stood as a testimony to the growing need for innovative outreach methods in public health awareness.

Philanthropy That Empowers

Further underlining the event’s mission of inclusive empowerment, the organizers announced cash sponsorships for three underprivileged women, each facing extreme hardship. These women, though currently struggling, represent the resilience that Astitwa seeks to celebrate. The financial support is intended to give them a renewed opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

This philanthropic gesture was supported by Mamta Binani, Naina More, and Sirshendu Niyogi, showcasing how community leaders can drive real impact through focused action and collaboration.

A Collective Step Forward

“Astitwa: Ek Roop Kai Pehchaan” successfully brought together policy makers, artists, healthcare experts, corporate professionals, and everyday citizens on a common platform—one where dialogue met action, and celebration met reflection.

Whether it was through honoring trailblazers in the arts, addressing urgent healthcare needs, or supporting women in distress, the event stood tall as an example of what’s possible when intent is backed by action.

In a society where women are often expected to silently bear the weight of responsibilities, Astitwa amplified their voices. It reminded everyone present that womanhood is not a monolith but a magnificent tapestry of strength, emotion, intuition, intellect, and grace.

Conclusion

As the curtains fell on this year’s edition of Astitwa, the air was filled with hope, resolve, and a shared understanding that empowering women means empowering humanity.

Events like these are more than symbolic—they are catalysts of transformation, both individual and collective. And as long as such platforms continue to flourish, the journey toward a more inclusive, informed, and empathetic society will stay on course.

Celebrating the birthday of acclaimed actor Nikhil Siddhartha, the makers of Swayambhu have unveiled a powerful new poster that sets the tone for an epic cinematic experience. Directed by Bharat Krishnamachari, Swayambhu marks Nikhil’s landmark 20th film and promises a Pan-India spectacle steeped in history, action, and cultural depth.

Currently in production, Swayambhu features Nikhil Siddhartha in a never-before-seen avatar as a legendary warrior, sharing the frame with Samyuktha, who plays a fierce archer ready for battle. Backed by Pixel Studios and presented by Tagore Madhu, the film is being crafted with grandeur by producers Bhuvan and Sreekar, featuring world-class production values.

The poster, set against a war-ravaged landscape, showcases the lead duo amidst intense combat—Nikhil wielding a sword with raw power, Samyuktha armed with a bow and arrow, and the ancient sceptre Sengol standing tall in the background. The Sengol, a historical symbol of power and dharma, adds depth to the film’s narrative. Its legacy—from Lord Rama’s righteous rule to its recent installation by PM Narendra Modi in the new Parliament building—resonates with the film’s core theme of leadership and justice.

 

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With a teaser release on the horizon, Swayambhu is poised to immerse audiences in a world where tradition meets cinematic spectacle.

The stellar cast also includes Nabha Natesh in a key role. The film boasts technical brilliance with visuals by cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, a gripping score by Ravi Basrur, and production design by M Prabhaharan and Raveendra.

Fans are buzzing with excitement as Swayambhu gears up to bring history alive—on a scale never seen before.

29 May 2025, National – In a transformative collaboration aimed at bringing India’s most compelling narratives to screen, Pratilipi, the country’s leading digital storytelling platform, has partnered with acclaimed production house Roy Kapur Films (RKF) to co-develop and produce a slate of films and web series. This strategic alliance combines Pratilipi’s unparalleled storytelling ecosystem with RKF’s cinematic prowess to deliver authentic, emotionally rich stories to audiences in India and beyond.

With over 30 million monthly active users, 1.6 million writers, and millions of stories across 12 Indian languages, Pratilipi has evolved into a storytelling powerhouse. Its vast, diverse library offers a treasure trove of untapped narratives, rooted in grassroots realities and Indian cultural richness.

Roy Kapur Films, led by industry stalwart Siddharth Roy Kapur, brings to the table a legacy of critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions. With a focus on stories that resonate deeply with Indian audiences, RKF is known for turning bold ideas into compelling cinema and digital content.

As part of the partnership, Pratilipi and RKF will jointly identify and co-invest in projects selected from Pratilipi’s vast library. Over the next three years, the partnership aims to co-produce at least six projects, targeting leading studios and global streaming platforms.

The first project under this collaboration, Charitraheen, is a hard-hitting courtroom drama that has already become a sensation on the Pratilipi app. With over 21 million reads, 244,000 reviews, and a stellar 4.88/5 rating, Charitraheen’s transition from page to screen is set to kick off this new chapter in Indian storytelling.

Speaking about the partnership, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Founder and Managing Director of Roy Kapur Films, said:

“At Roy Kapur Films, we’re always on the lookout for compelling narratives that reflect the many realities and aspirations of India. Pratilipi’s dynamic ecosystem of storytellers presents an incredible opportunity to unearth and shape these voices into stories that entertain and move audiences across the world.”

Ranjeet Pratap Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of Pratilipi, added:

“At Pratilipi, we’ve always believed that powerful stories can come from anywhere — a small town, a bustling city, from creators both seasoned and new. This partnership with Roy Kapur Films takes that vision one step further — to the screen. With RKF’s storytelling sensibility and production strength, we’re not just adapting stories; we’re elevating them for a larger audience. Charitraheen is just the beginning.”

This landmark collaboration represents a new model of content creation — where grassroots narratives meet cinematic scale. By tapping into India’s diverse storytelling potential, Pratilipi and Roy Kapur Films are poised to shape the next era of Indian entertainment across both theatrical and digital platforms.

For the unversed, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan will deeply explore the emotions of compassion, resilience, desire, independence, and self-belief. Earlier, the makers unveiled the film’s motion poster, leaving the audience curious about this novel outing. Now that the film’s first look witnessed cheer from the viewers at Zee Cine Awards, with many prasing Shanaya and Vikrant’s chemistry, it indicates that the movie buffs are in for a heartwarming theatrical experience.

Presented by Zee Studios and Mini Films, and produced by Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is directed by Santosh Singh and written by Mansi Bagla, with music composed by Vishal Mishra. With Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor headlining the musical romance, the film is set for a theatrical release on 11th July 2025.

To commemorate the moment, the makers dropped a visually arresting picture from the set, hinting at the film’s gritty and intense aesthetic. The image has since gone viral, setting social media abuzz and fueling anticipation for what’s being touted as “a feast of a massacre.”

Sharing the update on social media, the makers wrote:
“Malli Modhalaindi…. Eeesaari Mugiddaaam…
#OG #TheyCallHimOG #FireStormIsComing”
See the post here

OG promises a gripping narrative packed with stylized action, raw emotion, and cinematic flair. The latest schedule’s power-packed opening is just a taste of the high-stakes drama yet to unfold.

Adding to the film’s allure is Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi, who takes on a pivotal role that heightens the tension. The cast also includes Sriya Reddy in a strong, impactful role and veteran actor Prakash Raj, contributing further to the film’s dramatic depth.

With a story penned by Sujeeth and a pulsating soundtrack composed by S Thaman, OG is shaping up to be a must-watch cinematic spectacle.

Ahmed Khan said, “Sunny and I have been friends for decades, and his support has always meant a lot to me. During my first directorial venture, I remember getting a call from his office while I was playing football. When I went to meet him, he immediately said yes to the film. I didn’t even have to share a full script, just the basic plotline. He loved the idea, hopped onto it and asked his team to close the shoot dates at the earliest with me.”

Ahmed Khan has been credited for directing some of the massy entertainers like Baaghi 2 & 3, Heropanti 2 and is all geared up to commence the marathon schedule of Welcome to the Jungle soon.

In a recent candid conversation about the next generation of Bollywood stars, celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar openly expressed his admiration for rising talents such as Adarsh Gaurav, Lakshya, Vedang Raina, and notably, Raghav Juyal. Among them, it was Raghav who received a standout mention that has since sparked conversations across the industry.

Speaking about Raghav’s performance in the action-packed film Kill, Johar shared,
“Raghav ka kaam itna kamal ka tha. What a solid actor. Unka kaam Kill mein bahot superb tha.”

The appreciation, though brief, carried weight coming from Johar, who is not only known for his cinematic hits but also for spotting and launching new talent in Bollywood. His remarks have added to the growing buzz around Raghav Juyal, now being seen as a promising star in the making.

कार्यक्रम में उपस्थित विशिष्ट अतिथि

इस अवसर पर पेंटल, अली खान, रमेश गोयल, पुष्पा वर्मा, अभिषेक खन्ना,जुबैर अली खान, राधिका गौतम, डिम्पल सोनी, राजीब सिंह ,राजू टांक ,फैयाज अली खान, ताहिर कमाल खान , प्रदीप कटारिया , संजय पाटिल सर सहित कई प्रमुख फिल्मी हस्तियों ने शिरकत की।

फिल्म की टीम

इस फिल्म के निर्माता अभिषेक तिवारी ,निर्देशक अजय कुमार, लेखक मनीष तिवारी, प्रोजेक्ट डिजाइनर दीपक भागवत, कार्यकारी निर्माता विष्णु बंसल और प्रचारक संजय भूषण पटियाला हैं।

फिल्म की शूटिंग

फिल्म की कास्टिंग प्रक्रिया वर्तमान में जारी है और जल्द ही शूटिंग शुरू होने वाली है। फिल्म का 20% हिस्सा भारत में और 80% हिस्सा विदेश में शूट किया जाएगा, जो दर्शकों के लिए एक अद्वितीय अनुभव प्रदान करेगा।

फिल्म के बारे में

‘Mumbai To Budapest’ एक रोमांचक और मनोरंजक फिल्म होगी जो दर्शकों को एक नए और अनोखे अनुभव से रूबरू कराएगी। फिल्म की कहानी और निर्देशन दर्शकों को आकर्षित करने के लिए तैयार है।

निर्माता का संदेश

फिल्म के निर्माता अभिषेक तिवारी ने कहा, “हमें उम्मीद है कि ‘Mumbai To Budapest’ दर्शकों को एक नए और अनोखे अनुभव से रूबरू कराएगी। हमने फिल्म की कहानी और निर्देशन पर बहुत मेहनत की है और हमें उम्मीद है कि दर्शक इसे पसंद करेंगे।”

फिल्म की रिलीज

फिल्म की रिलीज की तारीख अभी तय नहीं हुई है, लेकिन हमें उम्मीद है कि यह जल्द ही दर्शकों के सामने होगी। हमें उम्मीद है कि ‘Mumbai To Budapest’ दर्शकों के दिलों पर कब्जा करेगी और एक यादगार फिल्म अनुभव प्रदान करेगी।