Drama Series
‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’ serials’ Mamta celebrates mother’s day with transgender individuals
Mumbai: ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’ on Sony Marathi channel is a thriller series that explores the unique relationship between a mother and her daughter. In this serial, we witness the challenges Mamta and Disha have to confront in their future, stemming from certain events in their past. Mamta in this series runs her own lunchbox-making business.
The lead characters of the series – Mamta, Disha, and Shannobi – celebrate International Mother’s Day in a unique and inspiring manner. They engaged with transgender workers from ‘The Trans Cafe’ in Versova and ‘Tweet Foundation’ in Goregaon, shedding light on the challenges these individuals face while trying to earn a living. On this occasion, ‘Mamta’, who portrays the role of a transgender mother in the series, along with her daughter ‘Disha’ and ‘Shannobi’ (Mamta’s friend), had an insightful discussion with Nishtha Nishant. Nishtha Nishant is a transgender scientific researcher and human rights activist. Her ‘Tweet Foundation’ (Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust), aims to provide shelter, education, employment, skill-building, and counselling support to transgender individuals. The Trans Cafe is a business run by a transwoman, which has created job opportunities and social support for transgender people in the city.
Mamta’s story shares many similarities with Nishtha’s and those of many others in the transgender community. Mamta spoke about her journey in the series. She shared how she raised her daughter, ‘Disha’, as a transgender mother, the challenges she faced, and the societal reactions she encountered on her path to financial independence. She also highlighted the difficulties she had to confront while raising Disha, how Mamta stood steadfast through them, and how she imparted good values to Disha.
Disha expressed that her unique bond with her transgender mother has given a completely new perspective to the mother-daughter relationship and has made her understand the true definition of a mother. Disha’s struggle for Mamta’s existence can be seen in the series. Additionally, Shannobi stated that people like Mamta need support from family, friends, and society to live a life of dignity and acceptance for who they are.
The main characters of the serial ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’, Mamta, Disha, and Shannobi, celebrate ‘Mother’s Day’ with transgender individuals who are striving to earn a living with dignity. The Trans Cafe and Nishtha Nishant’s meeting with Mamta was an inspiring experience for Mamta, definitely something to learn from. Sony Marathi business head Ajay Bhalwankar, expressed the belief that their work will definitely help Mamta to face the problems in her life. ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’, is a reflection of the life and challenges faced by transgender individuals and their families. Don’t miss the inspiring journey of societal change led by Mamta and Disha!
Don’t forget to watch ‘Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi’ on Sony Marathi, airing every Monday to Saturday at 10 pm.
Drama Series
Eric Dane, Grey’s Anatomy’s McSteamy, dies after ALS diagnosis
Dane’s death follows months of campaigning on motor neurone disease
MUMBAI: Shakira’s hips don’t lie and neither does the buzz, the Colombian superstar is shaking up India with a long-awaited return, headlining the Feeding India Concert 2026 across two cities for the first time ever. Announced on 20 February 2026, the third edition of the music-for-change initiative organised by not-for-profit Feeding India alongside District by Zomato brings the multiple Grammy winner to Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on 10 April and Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on 15 April. Presented by HSBC India and exclusively ticketed via District, the shows mark Shakira’s first major India gigs in nearly two decades.
Fans have been waiting eagerly for this Latin pop powerhouse known for anthems like Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever, Wherever, and the iconic World Cup hit Waka Waka to light up the stage again. But it’s not just about the beats, Shakira’s involvement amps up the national conversation on hunger and child malnutrition. Through her Barefoot Foundation, she’s long championed education and welfare for vulnerable kids worldwide, a mission that dovetails neatly with Feeding India’s push toward the UN’s Zero Hunger goal by 2030.
Shakira said, “Performing in India has always been special to me, and I’m excited to connect with my fans across Mumbai and Delhi. The Feeding India Concert is about more than music, it’s about standing together to ensure every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.”
District by Zomato CEO Rahul Ganjoo added, “This is a defining moment for the Feeding India Concert. Bringing an artist of Shakira’s global stature to two cities represents our commitment to scaling impact while delivering world-class entertainment. Music has the unique power to unite people across boundaries, and we’re leveraging that to drive meaningful conversations that can transform lives.”
Feeding India tackles hunger through government-backed systemic work, direct meal support in schools (low-income, government, and NGO), and a youth volunteer network that sparks awareness and action. The concerts unite artists, philanthropists, and everyday folks in collective action proving music can move crowds and move the needle on social issues.
Ticket details are rolling out fast, HSBC credit cardholders get exclusive 48-hour early access from 12 pm on 27 February to 12 pm on 1 March, with 10 per cent off up to Rs 1,000. General sales kick off at 1 pm on 1 March. District app users can hit ‘Notify Me’ for real-time updates. Plus, snag flexible payments Buy Now, Pay Later with 50 per cent upfront and the rest by 20 March 2026.
Opening acts drop soon via feedingindia and districtupdates pages on Instagram, or straight in the District app. Whether you’re there for the spectacle, the cause, or just to finally see Shakira live, this one’s got rhythm with real purpose turning dance floors into drivers of change.
LOS ANGELES: Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died aged 53, less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neurone disease.
Dane died on Thursday afternoon, after being diagnosed in April 2025. In a statement, his family said he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife, the actor Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters.
Over the past decade, Dane was closely associated with two of television’s most recognisable characters. He played Dr Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy”, on Grey’s Anatomy, joining the series for a single episode before becoming a regular for six seasons. More recently, he appeared as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, the troubled father of Jacob Elordi’s character Nate Jacobs.
Despite his illness, Dane continued working and completed filming for the upcoming third season of Euphoria, appearing in a wheelchair as his condition progressed. Speaking to People last year, he said he felt fortunate to remain active professionally while asking for privacy for his family.
ALS is a terminal degenerative disease that progressively impairs movement, speech and breathing. While there is no cure, progression varies widely among patients. In recent months, Dane emerged as a vocal advocate for awareness and research, using his diagnosis to highlight the condition’s impact.
Tributes followed swiftly from colleagues across the industry. Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, described Dane as both a gifted collaborator and a close friend, praising his warmth and generosity on and off set.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane appeared in more than 140 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy between 2006 and 2021 and starred in films including X-Men: The Last Stand and Marley & Me. His death marks the loss of a familiar presence in American television, remembered as much for his resilience as for his performances.
