iWorld
Bangla Zee5 makes Pujo sparkle with new campaign
MUMBAI: Pujo on screen, Pujo on streets. Bangla Zee5 is making sure the festival is everywhere you are. The streaming giant has rolled out its festive campaign Amar bhasha amar golpo, a 360 degree celebration that brings together films, TV favourites, festive offers and even live pandal experiences. The initiative is designed to make Durga Pujo entertainment inclusive, accessible and rooted in Bengal’s cultural heartbeat.
At the centre is a brand film weaving together stories of Pujo: a girl sketching the goddess’ eyes, a female priest breaking barriers, an electrician juggling fatherhood and work, and even a festive meet-cute. Subscribers can also grab the special PUJO59 deal, slashing the monthly Bangla plan from RS 99 to Rs 59.
Between 22 September and 2 October, a line-up of popular shows such as Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, Jowar Bhata and Kone Dekha Aalo will stream free, alongside live rituals from top pandals and 35–40 festive specials. Bangla Zee5 is also stepping outdoors with cab wraps, banners and quirky Pujo creatives across the city, while partnering with residential complexes to bring screenings and celebrations directly into communities.
“Durga Pujo is the heartbeat of Bengal, a celebration that unites generations. With this campaign, we wanted to carry that spirit into every home,” said Bangla Zee5 business head Rusa Banerjee.
From blockbuster premieres like Mrigaya – the hunt to nostalgia-laced specials, the platform promises a festive feast for every mood. This Pujo, whether you’re pandal-hopping or couch-surfing, Bangla Zee5 is serving stories, spirit and plenty of sparkle.
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.
