Drama Series
Zee-Indira IVF shine a light on infertility with mini-series Vitromates
MUMBAI: Zee TV, known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, has launched Vitromates, an emotionally resonant mini-series tackling the challenges of infertility.
The show is part of the ‘Zee Mini Series’ format, a revolutionary approach designed to captivate modern audiences with its bite-sized, seven-episode stories. But here’s the kicker: Zee has partnered with Indira IVF to bring authenticity and awareness to this sensitive topic.
Do we talk about infertility enough? Probably not. And that’s precisely why Vitromates is here—to tell stories that matter and, hopefully, shatter some taboos along the way.
The series introduces Kriti, a widow contemplating IVF to fulfil her late husband Ved’s dream of parenthood. At Dr. Tejaswini’s IVF clinic, Kriti reconnects with three women—Maya, Madhuri, and Asha—each grappling with their own fertility struggles. Together, they form the ‘Vitromates’, a circle of support that embodies resilience, friendship, and hope.
From Maya’s financial struggles to Madhuri’s marital doubts and Asha’s secret IVF journey amid family tensions, the show masterfully navigates the emotional rollercoaster of infertility. And the ending? A heartwarming testament to human strength and new beginnings.
This collaboration with Indira IVF aims to normalise conversations around infertility—a condition that affects millions but is often swept under the rug. Did you know only 2 per cent of affected individuals seek treatment? Through Zee’s vast network of TV channels, digital platform Zee5, and an expansive social media presence, Vitromates brings this topic into the limelight.
Zee chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal shared his excitement, “At Zee, we are dedicated to crafting innovative solutions tailored to meet the partner brands’ unique needs and with Vitromates, we’ve redefined how socially relevant messaging can be seamlessly integrated into storytelling. This collaboration with Indira IVF not only highlights an important conversation around infertility but also sets a benchmark for the industry, blending creative storytelling with impactful brand alignment. Through the unique format of the Zee Mini Series, we are excited to present compelling, snackable content that resonates with today’s viewers while creating memorable brand associations for our partners.”
Indira IVF co-founder Nitiz Murdia echoed this sentiment, “Vitromates is an attempt to bridge the awareness gap and stigma surrounding infertility, with only 2 per cent of affected individuals seeking treatment. By partnering with Zee TV, the goal is to promote the understanding that infertility is common and treatable, encouraging people to view it as a medical condition that can be addressed with modern technology.”
The campaign has been meticulously planned by Team Madison, whose representatives expressed their pride in being part of such a groundbreaking initiative. “We are thrilled to be a part of Zee TV’s groundbreaking mini-series, where the emotional and practical challenges faced by individuals on their IVF journey are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. The seamless integration of Indira IVF’s state-of-the-art clinics, labs, and expert care into the storyline not only highlights the technical aspects of fertility treatments but also connects deeply with viewers on an emotional level. This collaboration allows us to show the real-life impact of our services, providing hope and reassurance to those considering IVF, all while emphasizing the compassionate and safe environment we offer at every step.”
Vitromates is more than a mini-series; it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re looking for relatable stories, a dose of hope, or just great storytelling, this show promises to deliver it all.
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.
