Drama Series
Experience Pracchand Ashok’s grandeur on COLORS
Mumbai: The greatest love stories are not without their trials, but what happens when fate writes a timeless saga that changes the course of history? Witness the colossal power of love as COLORS takes the audience back in time to the glory of the Mauryan and Kalinga dynasty with its magnum opus ‘Pracchand Ashok’. Making a stellar edition to its library of riveting love stories, the channel treats the viewers to the royal odyssey of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki whose thirst for power and yearning for affection collide. After curating iconic franchises that were household favourites, COLORS and Balaji Telefilms unite to raise the bar of storytelling yet again with the historical romance that shaped destinies of empires. Starring actors Adnan Khan and Mallika Singh in the roles of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki respectively and produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, ‘Pracchand Ashok’ premieres on 6 February, 2024 and airs every Monday – Friday at 10:00 pm only on COLORS.
‘Pracchand Ashok’ recounts the tale of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki, two legends who are as different as day and night. While Kaurwaki dreams of a partner with a heart of gold, cherishing family values above all, Ashok is a relentless conqueror who thinks of family as a chink in one’s armour and unafraid to spill blood for power. However, deep within, he harbours a burning desire to create a legacy, earning respect for his mother, who’s been treated no less than a maid in the kingdom and securing a place for himself in his father’s heart. Kaurwaki seeks a noble companion while Ashok wants to be feared, craving dominion over everyone. Amidst conflicting ideals and aspirations begins a love story that alters the history of Bharatvarsh.
Popular actor Adnan Khan said, “Getting the chance to essay the role of Samrat Ashok is like living out a childhood fantasy. Joining the COLORS family, especially with a grand show like Pracchand Ashok, is an incredible opportunity to connect with its massive set of viewers across the country. I’m grateful to COLORS and Balaji Telefilms who have trusted me to embody a legend, whose life spans from the conquest to compassion. I promise that this show will enliven the historical romance on Indian television screens.”
On essaying the role of Princess Kaurwaki, Mallika Singh said, “Working with COLORS, a channel loved by many, and the incredible Ektaa R Kapoor is a dream come true. Princess Kaurwaki’s huge role in Samrat Ashok’s life and how she shaped history is a story that deserves to be told. I believe my calling as an actor through this show is to pay tribute to the legendary woman, who knew the power of love. I am beyond excited for my collaboration with COLORS and Balaji Telefilms and hoping that our hardwork pays off.”
‘Pracchand Ashok’ navigates the historical romance of Samrat Ashok and Princess Kaurwaki. Growing up with an unwavering belief in the potency of love, Kaurwaki stands in stark contrast to Ashok, who fosters hatred and animosity, oblivious to his destined path. She serves as a beacon of hope in his life. Additionally, a myriad of emotions intricately weaves Samrat Ashok’s journey. From his indelible connection with his father to his relentless pursuit of respect and justice for his mother, every emotion is explored with depth and nuance, further adding layers to the narrative. Joining the stellar cast are seasoned actors such as Rakshanda Khan as Helena, Chetan Hansraj as Bindusar, Surendra Pal as Chandragupta Maurya, Manoj Kolhatkar as Chanakya, Aarush Shrivastava as Sushim, Dinesh Mehta as Subhandhu, Ankit Bhatia as Bhadrak, Shalini Chandran as Dharma, Leena Balodi as Salukkhavati, Manish Khanna as Padmanabhan.
Get ready for a historical love saga in ‘Pracchand Ashok’ premiering at 10:00 pm on the 6 February 2024 and airing every Monday to Friday only on COLORS.
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.
