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Cannes Diary: Adlabs lounge gives indies a leg up
CANNES: The Adlabs Indpendent Producers Lounge is proving to be a hit of sorts. Located in the basement of the Palais des Festivals, it has been a busy spot with almost anyone interested in Indian films dropping in over there from whichever country in the world.
The booth, manned by AdLabs Films boss Sunir Khetrapal, has Aditya Bhattacharrya steering it most of the time. Other individuals using it quite frequently include: Grey Cells Entertainment’s copromoter Rashmi, Ruchi Narain, Amit Khanna, Sudhir Mishra.
The stand is also being used to promote the Filmkraft new production Krishh. In a big way.
Dharma disappointed, Johar pushes hard
The team Dharma Productions distribution team of Vishal Patel and Cherian expressed disappointment at the way the market has been proceeding. “There have been very few footfalls,” says Cherian. “We expect an improvement by tomorrow.”
The big title being promoted at the stand is Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.
Karan Johar spent many a hour at the stand today. The Johar box office magic may rub off on Dharma’s Cannes performance as well.
Indian unity shows up at Cannes
What is amazing about this Cannes festival is how the independents have been propping up each other. The Adlabs stand has brochures and promotional materials from almost every Indian film maker in the Palais. Handmade Films’ Sunil Doshi who has a stand in a prime location in the Palais des Festivals basement even lent a hand to the indies by stocking their promotional literature at his stand. A pat in the back for the indie Indians. In fact, a bash for the indies was planned for the evening at the Irish Quays pub.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
