iWorld
Shemaroo loads 1000+ movies & TV shows on HOOQ
MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment and video-on-demand service HOOQ have inked a partnership, which will see the addition of more than 1000 movie titles across multiple genres and languages on the OTT platform.
With a content library of over 30,000 hours, HOOQ will now distribute Shemaroo’s library that includes a mix of classics to super hit films, TV serials and fitness videos. The content catalogue includes titles like Hunterrr, The Dirty Picture, Ishqiya, Don, Kaalia, Khuda Gawah, Mughal-E-Azam, Nukkad, Shilpa’s Yoga and Bipasha’s Fit & Fabulous amongst others.
Shemaroo Entertainment director Jai Maroo said, “We are excited to partner with HOOQ for Indian content. With increasing number of devices and its users, the consumption of content on these platforms will certainly see an upward swing. We believe that services like this will catalyze consumers’ shift towards premium paid services and thus will ultimately benefit content owners like us. The deal affirms our focus to deliver quality content to our consumers on a variety of media and a network of their choice.”
HOOQ chief executive officer Peter Bithos added, “Partnering with Shemaroo Entertainment, one of the largest content houses in the country will no doubt strengthen our ever-growing catelogue. We aim to satisfy the entertainment needs of the Indian consumers by ensuring that they continue to enjoy the largest and best catalogue of Hollywood and Indian content for only Rs 199 per month.”
“We have put the Indian customers at the heart of our design to ensure that HOOQ serves their needs given the various challenges of India and other developing countries. This is evident in the world’s first download feature for Hollywood content, where customers can download up to five of their favourite movies to watch at a later time even when they are not connected to the internet,” he added.
Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros launched HOOQ in India earlier this year and has also inked deals with the likes of Yash Raj Films amongst others.
iWorld
Samay Raina confirms return of India’s Got Latent after controversy
Still Alive mixes humour and reflection as comedian revisits 2025 row
MUMBAI: Samay Raina has signalled a possible return of his controversial show India’s Got Latent, using his latest stand-up special Still Alive to address the past and hint at what lies ahead.
Released on YouTube, the special marks Raina’s most candid take yet on the backlash that forced the show off air in 2025. While much of the performance leans on humour, it also dips into more reflective territory, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll of the controversy.
Recounting the fallout, YouTube comedian samay raina said, “We were both extremely unsettled. How would we navigate this? It was terrifying. We were lost as to what was happening.” He also spoke about a moment involving fellow comedian Balraj Ghai’s family, describing it as overwhelming and difficult to process.
The personal impact of the episode came through most strongly when Raina spoke about his family. He admitted he struggled to even answer a call from his mother during the crisis. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I hesitated to answer her call and show my tear-streaked face. How would she react? My mom is unaware of anything except how to love.”
Amid the introspection, Raina also dropped a clear hint about the future of his show. While he believes the first season ended on a high note, he confirmed that he intends to revive it. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I will bring back the show because it used to be fun making it.”
The original run of India’s Got Latent had been pulled down following widespread criticism and legal scrutiny over controversial remarks that went viral, prompting debates around content boundaries in India’s digital entertainment space. Raina later removed episodes and issued an apology, stepping back from major releases for a period.
His return now appears more measured, blending humour with reflection and signalling a creative reset. He also hinted that the next iteration of the show could be more raw and unfiltered, though details remain under wraps.
For fans, the takeaway is simple. The show that sparked both laughter and debate may be gearing up for a second act, with Raina ready to test the limits once again, this time with a sharper sense of where the lines lie.
