Executive Dossier
Vikas Bhalla, Deepshikha as the newest surprise element in ‘Karishma…’
MUMBAI: With the second launch slated for 25 August, Karishma- The Miracles of Destiny’s unit finally let its hair down at the launch party at J W Marriott on Monday night.
Apart form the new banners and a fresh media publicity round; the show in its revamped avatar will also have some new faces in meatier roles. Amongst actor who have their roles refurbished are actor- singer Vikas Bhalla and film and television actor Deepshikha aka Kittie Party’s Kuku.
Besides a colour change from reddish orange to sky blue, the promotional banners of the serial sport Bhalla’s face now. When asked why it was missing in the earlier promos, he pleaded ignorance and jocularly added that he was unaware that the show had been launched earlier. According to media sources, Bhalla has been on the shoot since day one, but his romantic track with Karishma has now been refurbished, hence the inclusion.
Speaking about his character Arjun, Bhalla said: “He is the youngest Thakur who returns to his village after studying abroad. Being Devyani’s (the older Karishma) first love, he is the only pleasant memory of her childhood. She and he have been childhood buddies.” Vikas Bhalla who started his career as a film actor, later launched a music album and was last seen in Zee’s late night show Miit. His role was later handed to Hiten Tejwani. Besides starring in Karishma… he has also launched his second album, which according to him did average business.
When asked, he offered that his track with Karishma is to run for 60 episodes. The relationship between him and Karishma is a typical filmi rich boy-poor girl track, with him being a rich Thakur and she his house help. His elder brother kills him on the show, over property issues, thus adding some drama.
While Vikas has been shooting since day one, media sources claim that Deepshikha has been signed just a few months ago. In an earlier interview, Deepshikha offered that her character would be introduced after 60 episodes, but news has it that her character is the surprise element on the show from day one.
She is to play Devyani’s son Jay’s (played by Ayub Khan) mistress, settled in Dubai. After she is gets to know that he is already married to Resham Tipnis, settled in India, she packs her bag and flies down to India to claim her right a la Mandira in Kyunki….
MUMBAI: Game faces on, pressure high India’s gaming ambitions are levelling up. Good Game, billed as the world’s first as-live global gaming reality show, has officially launched in India with a bold mission: to crown the country’s first Global Gaming Superstar.
Blending esports with mainstream entertainment, the show brings together competitive gaming, creativity and on-camera performance in a format that tests more than just joystick skills. Contestants will be judged on gameplay, screen presence and their ability to perform under pressure, reflecting how gaming has evolved from pastime to profession and pop culture currency.
Fronting the show are three high-profile ambassadors: actor and entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant, and gaming creator Ujjwal Chaurasia. The winner will take home Rs 1 crore ($100,000) among the largest prize pools for any Indian reality show along with the chance to represent India on a global stage.
Backed by a planned annual investment of up to Rs 100 crore, Good Game is also courting brand partners, promising a minimum reach of 500 million among India’s core youth audience. The creators position the show as a bridge between entertainment and interactive culture, offering long-format content, community engagement and commercial scale.
Auditions are now open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, inviting amateur and professional gamers, creators and performers alike. Shortlisted candidates will be called for in-person auditions in Mumbai on 14 and 15 February, and in Delhi on 28 February and 1 March 2026.
With big money, big names and even bigger ambition, Good Game signals a shift in how India views gaming not just as play, but as performance, profession and prime-time spectacle.
