Drama Series
Forensic foodie drama to simmer on Indonesian screens courtesy Deepak Dhar’s & Banijay’s CreAsia
MUMBAI: An unlikely pairing of forensic science and gastronomy is set to tantalize Indonesian viewers as CreAsia Studio cooks up My Chef in Crime, an eight-part drama commissioned by local streaming platform Vision+.
The series—equal parts CSI and MasterChef—follows a disgraced forensic investigator turned chef who must clear his name after being fingered for his rival’s murder. His unorthodox application of forensic techniques to food science catches the eye of a female detective who happens to be his old school crush, setting the stage for a sizzling mix of crime-solving and culinary chemistry.
CreAsia Studio, the brainchild of television veteran Deepak Dhar and television giant Banijay Entertainment, has assembled a pan-Asian creative team that boasts Thai producer Pornmanus Rattanavich and scriptwriter Nitikarn Pinmuangngarm, with Indonesian director Sondang Pratama stirring the pot.
“This show is a testament to our commitment to championing innovative narratives from South East Asia,” gushes CreAsia Studio executive vice-president Jessica Kam clearly delighted with her menu of talent. “We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with the talented Thai and Indonesian creators as well as Vision+ to bring this groundbreaking concept to life.”
The production appears designed to blend local flavours with global appeal—a recipe becoming increasingly fashionable in streaming circles.
Vision+ managing director Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo seems equally gung-ho about the offering: “My Chef in Crime is exactly the kind of high-quality, engaging content that excites us,. We believe this show will set new benchmarks in the crime genre, and we are delighted to be partnered with CreAsia Studio to make it a reality ” she declares, perhaps hoping the show will help her platform gobble up market share in Indonesia’s competitive streaming landscape.
Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar added: “At Banijay Entertainment, we are always looking to push creative boundaries and redefine storytelling. My Chef in Crime is a bold, original concept that reflects our commitment to delivering premium entertainment across the region. We are confident that this unique mix of crime, food, and romance will resonate with audiences and reinforce CreAsia Studios position as a powerhouse of compelling storytelling.”
Production is set to begin this summer, with the series expected to land on screens early next year. Whether audiences will develop an appetite for this unusual concoction remains to be seen, but CreAsia Studio is betting that viewers are hungry for something that breaks free from formulaic crime dramas.
For Banijay Entertainment, which has been steadily expanding its Asian footprint, the stakes are high. Dhar calls the concept “bold” and “original”—adjectives that rarely describe television these days. But in a region where food and entertainment are cultural obsessions, combining forensic investigation with culinary artistry might just prove a recipe for success.
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.
