iWorld
Audio, web series and films that will move you and broaden your perspective
Mumbai: Happy Pride, listeners! This June, we’re excited to share a curated list of audiobooks, podcasts, web series and films that are perfect for celebrating the spirit of pride. From adventures to romantic thrillers, here are fabulous titles that support queer representation in all its forms. They help convey that no matter where you fall on the spectrum, inclusivity is beautiful and worthy of being celebrated. Enjoy these stories that capture the multi-faceted nature of love and the fight for freedom to express oneself!
Platform: Audible
Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s Coogee Beach, ‘Desi Down Under’ is a coming-of-age story that follows three best friends Deven (Adarsh Gaurav), Meenu (Prajakta Koli), and Rahul (Taaruk Raina) cross the ocean to learn surf-lifesaving skills, but their adventure quickly becomes much more than they anticipated. Rahul radiates joy and embraces his sexuality with pride despite societal pressures. As Rahul steps into Sydney, he meets Taylor, an Italian resident who challenges his fear of commitment and ignites a thrilling path of self-discovery, love, and surprises. This podcast series promises an inspiring and relatable tale that celebrates the courage to be oneself.
Platform: Audible
In ‘Mine and Yours Season 2,’ Priya’s (Sayani Gupta) world is turned upside down when her ex-girlfriend Rashi (Kubbra Sait) unexpectedly returns from the US. Rashi’s arrival stirs up old emotions and creates tension in Priya’s current relationship with Jaiveer (Nakuul Mehta). Priya finds herself caught between the past and the present, navigating her evolving sexuality and the complexities of love. The ensuing rivalry between Rashi and Jaiveer for Priya’s heart sets off a whirlwind of jealousy and emotional conflict. Join this gripping tale as Priya, Rashi, and Jaiveer explore the depths of their feelings and fight for what truly matters in their pursuit of happiness, on this podcast.
Platform: Audible
‘Queer West,’ hosted by the charismatic Niecy Nash-Betts, is a journey through the untold stories of the American West, where LGBTQ+ lives have long thrived against the backdrop of cowboy lore and Hollywood myths. In each episode, Niecy guides listeners through a wild exploration of forgotten histories, uncovering how queer people have continuously shaped and redefined the Western landscape. This Audible series invites you to saddle up and ride alongside queer pioneers, challenging perceptions and reclaiming their rightful place in Western history.
Platform: Audible
This audiobook is an inclusive audio guide authored by Rowan Ellis, offering heartfelt advice and comforting stories to empower queer girls. From understanding one’s identity to navigating relationships and mental health, this supportive resource serves as a beacon of empowerment and validation for girls exploring their queer-ness. Through personal anecdotes and guest contributions, the audiobooks discusses the complexities of LGBTQ+ life, fostering a sense of community, and resilience.
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
‘Made in Heaven’ follows Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan (Arjun Mathur), two wedding planners in Delhi. As they navigate arranged marriages, societal pressures, and hidden desires, exposing the clash between tradition and modern aspirations< the show also portrays LGBTQ+ characters and their struggles. It offers a refreshing perspective within the Indian social context – you’ll encounter characters grappling with their identities, facing societal expectations, and navigating the complexities of love. It’s a show that celebrates love in all its forms while offering a thought-provoking look at the challenges faced by those who don’t conform to traditional norms.
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Casey McQuiston’s royally romantic and wildly popular bestseller, ‘Red, White & Royal Blue,’ is an enemies-to-lovers story that explores the unexpected romance between America’s First Son, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), and the Prince of Wales (Nicholas Galitzine). Alex finds himself embroiled in a media storm after a public altercation with Prince Henry strains relations between their nations. To contain the scandal, they stage a fake friendship, but what begins as a superficial truce evolves into a profound love affair. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions in this beautiful film adaptation of the book.
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Set in the 1950s, ‘My Policeman’ explores a forbidden love triangle between a policeman named Tom (Harry Styles), his school teacher Marion (Emma Corrin), and museum curator Patrick (David Dawson). Tom feels a deep affection for Patrick, but societal pressures lead him to propose to Marion instead. Their seemingly happy marriage crumbles when Marion uncovers the truth, forcing all three to grapple with their desires and the strictures of the time. Through alternating perspectives and decades-spanning narratives, this film offers a powerful story of love, loss, and the fight for acceptance.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
