A new generation of artists is expanding the musical horizons in India and bringing something new to a rapidly-growing scene that is becoming more innovative.
Hailing from Gurgaon in India, one of the loud voices is a unique artist named Nivid, who has been described as a ferocious industrial rock musician and a musical embodiment of anger.
Nivid is composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Aditya Virmani, who is a one-man project when producing songs and then teaming up with Devasheesh Sharma (guitar) and Nihar Apte (bass) for explosive live performances.
Inspired, in particular, by Nine Inch Nails, Nivid recently released the song The World Around Me (Infinite Support)|Sanskaari, which is a musical melting pot of sounds combined with a strong social message.
Eastern Eye caught up with Aditya to talk about his sound, unique influences and musical message.
What first connected you to music?
Listening to Born In The USA by (Bruce) Springsteen and News Of The World by Queen on repeat are the earliest memories of being hooked to music. Somewhere Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd happened, which helped have an impact on how I perceived sound and music.
What led you towards your musical sound?
Distortion was hugely responsible as a sonic effect to draw me towards writing the kind of music I do and the music I listen to.
Where does the name Nivid comes from?
Nivid is a Sanskrit word, which means information. It also means to deliver or to give.
Tell us about your recent song release?
The World Around Me (Infinite Support)|Sanskaari is about an ideal Indian. It is about a ‘virtuous’ man who aims to change the world through his beliefs and by instilling them into others through influence, force, coercion or guilt. It features an intense kick-drum pattern and the third verse where the guitars go out briefly serve as highlights of the track. The music video for it was shot in San Francisco at the Clarion Alley Mural Project by Kerry Porter from Frontman Media, and features some cool glitch effects.
What can we expect next from you?
We have more material than we’ve written. We’d love to present that and would like to perform it for people to watch.
How important is it for you to put a message in your songs?
It is vital to tell a story. It is equally important to leave cryptic information both lyrically, through the use of language, and musically. It is best done when it isn’t too obvious.
Tell us, which issues do you feel most strongly about?
Artistic liberty and giving artists absolute freedom of speech along with an environment and opportunity for them to present their work!
Do you think music has the power to make a change?
Music has the power to influence one’s thoughts, for sure. It has a great power to deliver information. And it can make people aware of the world they live in. That could possibly lead to change.
Which artists or band have inspired you most?
Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails (NIN) and the entire NIN family for their work and fearless experimentation over the years, and maintaining integrity. Archive has been a big influence. Game composers Mick Gordon and Jesper Kyd. A bunch of Indian composers such as Nitin Sawhney and Sandeep Chowta. The list is quite extensive, actually.
Who else is on the list?
(David) Bowie and (Frank) Zappa. Bands such as U2, Tool and Deftones. A lot of post-rock bands, including some important ones like 65daysofstatic and Maybeshewill. Massive Attack, Portishead, The Knife, Gusgus and some of Aphex Twin’s work. I was inspired by Skyharbor and followed them till Guiding Lights. I really like Fuzzculture from India and some of Shaair and Func’s records. Filter has been a great influence too. A lot of obscure classical music from India and I find jewels on All India Radio. But it’s mostly straight out Nine Inch Nails.
What is the plan for the rest of the year?
To put out the rest of the material, find some good scoring projects on the side, assemble a band, tour and perform. Easier said than done!
How much does performing live mean to you?
Playing live is the final stage after being able to put out material and content; to get it out and promote it in front of everyone. It is quite important and I find it exciting to be able to do the same. The feeling of being on stage in front of people who appreciate your music is unparalleled.
What has been the most memorable concert?
Playing in front of a bunch of people in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in the middle of the vast Indian desert at night was quite an experience.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Trent (Reznor) and Atticus (Ross). Those sessions would help me further better my craft and would get me to meet and spend time with my heroes creating art.
What music dominates your playlist?
NIN, Archive, a bunch of 1990s music, Manson, John Wick soundtracks, some Garhwali music and Periphery III. Some classical music from India now that I am using the All India Radio app. Filter, 3teeth and some Scarlxrd, Ghostemane, Shingo Nakamura and Tujiko Noriko.
What are your big passions away from music?
I love driving in the country and am an off-road enthusiast. Video games and technology are something that I keep looking out for.
What is your biggest musical motivation?
To innovate and to expand the ‘box’!
Why do you love music?
Because, I can’t touch it! It’s intangible. It touches me and it’s something that comes out of me.
Facebook & Instagram: @nividofficial and www.nivid.bandcamp.com
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest, industry mourns Kaanta Laga starInstagram/shefalijariwala
Tributes pour in for Shefali Jariwala from friends and co-stars
Condolences have flooded social media since the news broke. Actors Dipshikkha Nagpal, Karishma Tanna, and Arjun Bijlani remembered Shefali as a “beautiful soul” and a “vibrant, kind person”. Television personalities including Aarti Singh, Munmun Dutta, and Kushal Tandon expressed disbelief, while fellow Bigg Boss contestants like Madhurima Tuli and Monalisa shared emotional messages.
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Comedian Sunil Pal and actor Ashish Vidyarthi also recalled fond memories of working with her. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a public tribute, acknowledging her impact on Indian entertainment. Her husband Parag Tyagi was seen outside the hospital and later at their residence, visibly heartbroken and carrying a framed photo of Shefali.
From IT graduate to household name: a brief look at her journey
Born in Mumbai in 1982, Shefali Jariwala held a degree in Information Technology before stepping into showbiz at 20. Her appearance in Kaanta Laga made her a pop culture phenomenon. She later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Kannada hit Hudugaru, and several music videos.
Shefali Jariwala was married to actor Parag Tyagi,Instagram/shefalijariwala
In 2019, she re-entered the limelight with Bigg Boss 13, earning praise for her calm yet assertive presence. Off-screen, she was candid about her health struggles, including epilepsy and anxiety, and had once spoken about her wish to adopt a daughter.
The police are awaiting autopsy results as investigations continue.
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Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.
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Indian artists gain spotlight in new Academy class
This year’s invite list is a significant moment for Indian cinema, with six industry professionals selected for their work across acting, direction, design, and technical fields. Kamal Haasan, known for groundbreaking films like Nayakan and Vikram, and Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrated for Article 15 and Andhadhun, were chosen in the acting category.
Ayushmann Khurrana attends an event at the FICCI Frames 2024 Getty Images
Payal Kapadia’s inclusion is especially noteworthy following her historic Cannes win for All We Imagine as Light, which made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix. Two of her key collaborators on the film were also invited: cinematographer Ranabir Das and costume designer Maxima Basu.
Kamal Haasan waves as he attends a press conference for 'Thug Life'Getty Images
Also joining the list are documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, known for St. Louis Superman and Warden, and visual effects artist Abishek Nair, credited on Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Fate of the Furious.
Payal Kapadia smiles during the Jury photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Global mix includes Conan O’Brien and Ariana Grande
Alongside the Indian names, the Academy's 2025 class features a host of international stars and creators. Hollywood figures like Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jodie Comer, Jeremy Strong, and Jason Momoa were among those invited.
According to the Academy, this year’s class includes representatives from 60 countries, with 45% of the invitees belonging to underrepresented communities. Only those who accept the invitation will be added to the voting body, which currently includes over 10,000 eligible members.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on 15 March, with nominations set to be revealed on 22 January. Veteran host Conan O’Brien will host the event.
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Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role
It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.
Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.
From Andhra to Ahmedabad — he still pulls crowds across the board
There are many stars who rule regions, but very few cut across states and languages the way Prabhas does. Whether it’s a traditional action flick or an experimental epic, people show up.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
£94 million+ (₹1000 crore) globally — and not for the first time
With Kalki joining the £94 million+ (₹1000 crore) club, Prabhas added yet another big-budget success to his list. He’s one of the few actors in India whose films regularly cross that mark, without it feeling like a fluke or a one-off.
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
A top three opener in Indian cinema — again
Kalki had one of the biggest opening days in Indian box office history. No gimmicks. Just the kind of theatre rush most films today struggle to pull off. Say what you want about the film, but its opening confirmed Prabhas’ continued draw for the big-screen crowd.
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Fans flew in from Japan — yes, really
It’s not just India. International fans have long backed Prabhas, and Kalki saw that play out in real time, with Japanese fans travelling to Hyderabad just to catch it in cinemas. Not a premiere or event, just a regular screening. That kind of quiet loyalty is rare.
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
He’s still choosing the harder road
A dystopian mytho-sci-fi mash-up isn’t exactly a guaranteed hit. Most stars would’ve played it safe, but Kalki was a risk, and Prabhas took it head-on. It’s part of what keeps his filmography interesting. He’s not here to repeat formulas, and that makes every new release worth watching, even if you don’t love every film.
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
The calm at the centre of the chaos
One year later, Kalki 2898 AD may still be divisive as a film, but as a career move, it only strengthened what Prabhas has built over the years: a fanbase that shows up, a screen presence that works across regions, and a habit of picking stories that don’t play it safe.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations kick off in Venice with around 200 high-profile guests.
Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Oprah, and Bill Gates have arrived.
The three-day celebration is expected to cost £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore).
Venice locals protest the event, accusing the billionaire couple of turning the city into a playground for the elite.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have begun their lavish wedding festivities in Venice, Italy, drawing a guest list that reads like the Oscars after-party. The ultra-exclusive, multi-day affair has transformed the floating city into a buzzing hub of private yachts, paparazzi, and tight security.
The couple, who have been engaged since 2023, arrived earlier this week and are hosting a welcome event ahead of their expected Friday wedding ceremony. The celebrations are reportedly set across Venice’s most luxurious venues, with the final reception on Saturday.
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave the Aman Hotel in Venice ahead of their wedding Getty Images
Celebrities, billionaires, royals: a who’s who of wedding guests
Familiar faces are pouring into Venice. Kim Kardashian made a headline-grabbing entrance at Marco Polo Airport, followed by sisters Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner, along with matriarch Kris Jenner. Oprah Winfrey, joined by Gayle King, arrived in a summery outfit and was spotted greeting fans as she left her hotel. Leonardo DiCaprio tried to go unnoticed in a baseball cap but was quickly recognised by photographers.
Kardashians seen boarding a boat ahead of the evening celebrations in VeniceGetty Images
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Tom Brady, Karlie Kloss, Orlando Bloom, and even royalty like Queen Rania of Jordan were seen making their way to the festivities. Guests are staying in top-tier hotels like the Gritti Palace and Aman, where rooms overlook the Grand Canal.
Oprah Winfrey wave to fans while heading to the welcome event Getty Images
Venice residents push back against the mega-event
While the city is buzzing with glamour, not everyone is celebrating. Local activists have criticised the event for highlighting the growing gap between Venice’s global appeal and its local struggles. A protester scaled a flagpole in St Mark’s Square, unveiling a banner reading, “The 1 per cent ruins the world,” targeting the excessive nature of the celebration.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez gesture in direction of Bezos' lookalike from the taxi boatGetty Images
The wedding, estimated to cost between £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore), may not dent Bezos’s £182 billion (₹18.1 lakh crore) fortune, but it has sparked debates about overtourism and inequality in one of Europe’s most fragile heritage cities.
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Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of F1 at Times Square in New York
Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz home in LA was broken into late Wednesday night.
Three intruders reportedly entered through a window and ransacked the property.
Pitt was in London for the F1 film premiere alongside Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton.
LAPD confirmed a burglary but has not disclosed what was stolen.
Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was burgled late Wednesday night while the actor was overseas promoting his new film F1. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, three individuals broke into the residence located in the Los Feliz area around 10:30 pm by entering through a front window.
Brad Pitt at the F1 premiere in London before the burglary was reported Getty Images
Brad Pitt’s LA home targeted in late-night break-in
The LAPD described the scene as having been “ransacked,” though they have not revealed the nature or value of the stolen items. Pitt was not home during the incident, as he was attending the London premiere of F1, accompanied by co-star Tom Cruise and Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton.
The property, which Pitt purchased in 2023 for a reported £4.3 million (₹45.6 crore), is a three-bedroom house tucked near Griffith Park, surrounded by thick foliage and fencing for privacy. Though authorities initially withheld the homeowner’s name, the address matches records linked to the Oscar-winning actor.
Brad Pitt walks in the Paddock after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand PrixGetty Images
LAPD investigates celebrity burglary as theft details remain unclear
While police are continuing their investigation, no arrests have been made yet. Officials have yet to confirm exactly what was taken during the burglary or the estimated worth of the stolen items. Pitt’s representatives have not issued any statement on the matter so far.
This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile burglaries in the area. Over recent months, other celebrity homes, including those of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, have been targeted in similar break-ins.
Brad Pitt attends the "Wolfs" red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival Getty Images
Incident follows stalking case at Jennifer Aniston’s home
The break-in at Pitt’s residence comes weeks after a man was arrested for driving his car into the front gate of Jennifer Aniston’s Bel-Air home. The intruder, charged with stalking and vandalism, breached her property while she was present. Fortunately, no harm was reported, and her security team quickly intervened.
As the LAPD looks into the latest break-in, concerns about the safety of celebrity homes in Los Angeles continue to rise. Pitt, meanwhile, remains focused on promoting F1, which released globally this week.