iWorld
Chingari collaborates with OMTV for Indian cultural content
Mumbai: Short-video sharing platform Chingari has partnered with OMTV, a newly launched OTT channel and the brainchild of Blackboard Films, to cater to the rising demand of niche audiences wanting to connect with Indian cultural programmes. The collaboration will give Chingari app users access to OMTV programmes across genres such as mythology, culture, food, and history.
For Chingari the collaboration is an opportunity to present itself as both Indian and original, helping it to further engage with its users’ shifting tastes. OMTV was launched with the aim of making Indian knowledge and philosophy available to people. The collaboration is seen as a natural progression for the two Indian apps, said the statement.
Calling this alliance “a refreshing change” for Chingari, OMTV, and the users, Chingari co-founder and COO Deepak Salvi said OMTV content perfectly matches their beliefs. “At Chingari, we are always creative in terms of our unusual offerings that resonate with our users. The Indian connection here revolves around India’s cultural heritage which resonates with our users who are modern yet want to connect to their roots.”
“Chingari’s reach amongst young users, in particular, is big, and the extension methods in promoting talent and entertainment makes it a popular option among users and collaborative brands,” added Chingari app co-founder & CEO Sumit Ghosh.
“OMTV is a humble attempt to showcase the diversity and deep-rooted philosophy present in the traditions of our nation. With ‘Gyaan Bhi, Garv Bhi’ as the platform’s philosophy, we intend to offer varied content, covering culture, history, knowledge systems, mythology, and heritage,” said OMTV founder and MD Nitin Jain Shukla. “This collaboration promises to be a distinct step towards making a positive impact by piquing on people’s curiosity to know more about Indian culture.”
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.
