Hindi
Vidya Balan marks a decade in cinema; receives Doctorate from Rai University
NEW DELHI: Actress Vidya Balan – known to take on challenging roles and win laurels – has been conferred a Doctor of Arts Honoris Causa by the Ahmedabad-based Rai University. Balan also completed ten years in the film industry this week.
The honour was given earlier this week in appreciation of her contributions to Indian cinema over the past 10 years. Her endeavour to bring out the strong side of a woman in films has contributed to women’s empowerment in society, Rai University chancellor, Dr. Harbeen Arora, said.
The actress thanked God, her parents, the university and “each and every one of you” among the media present at the convocation at the J.W. Marriott International.
The University also announced an annual scholarship named Balan, and she said she was tongue-tied.
She said, “I must also thank my husband Siddharth (Roy Kapur of Disney) even if he is embarrassed by what I am going to say. And that is that just by being with him, I have become a better person! I would like you to be with me all my life and I have to tell you that I will be with you all your life too!”
“It is truly humbling and overwhelming to receive this honour. What makes this even more special is that I complete ten years in the Hindi film industry this year. There can be no bigger compliment for any actor than to have done work that has made a significant mark and also to be looked upon as a role model by young Indians. I hope to live up to the title,” said Balan.
Her parents, sister’s family and her mother-in-law were also present.
“Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomize a distinct Indian-ness and powerful womanhood,” Arora said. The citation mentioned all the key films in Balan’s career.
Balan has received the four highest civilian award ‘Padma Shri’, a National Award, and Filmfare awards.
Hindi
Zee5 and Applause Entertainment team up for whodunnit ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’
Rajat Kapoor directs star-studded murder mystery streaming from 10 April.
MUMBAI: Zee5 is serving up another killer collaboration and this time, the murder mystery comes with a generous side of dark humour and family dysfunction. The streaming platform has partnered with Applause Entertainment and Mithya Talkies to bring Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a fresh, twisted whodunnit written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rajat Kapoor. The film will stream exclusively on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
The movie reimagines the classic murder mystery genre with a contemporary, darkly comic edge. It revolves around a group of friends and family who smile, drink, and celebrate together until the silence snaps and long-buried secrets spill out. The stellar ensemble cast includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Chandrachoor Rai, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie, Palomi Ghosh, and Rajat Kapoor himself.
This latest offering continues the successful partnership between Zee5 and Applause Entertainment, which has previously delivered diverse hits such as Mithya, Bloody Brothers, and Jab Khuli Kitaab.
&TV Business Head of hindi Zee5 and chief channel officer Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has consistently delivered distinct, high-impact storytelling. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, reinforcing our focus on genre-led content with a compelling whodunnit premise and a strong ensemble cast.”
Applause Entertainment business head for movies Sunil Chainani added, “This film adds yet another compelling layer to our slate with Rajat Kapoor’s unmistakable voice.”
Rajat Kapoor shared, “What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who smile at each other, but there’s so much that is not said.”
The film promises razor-sharp writing, layered performances, and simmering tension, inviting viewers not just to solve the crime but to unravel the complex relationships at its heart.
If you love a good murder mystery served with wit and emotional depth, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa looks set to be your next addictive watch. Mark your calendars, the whodunnit drops on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
